Kwara State Government has abolished the PTA levy in all public primary schools, replacing it with annual school grants and approving free textbooks and major education infrastructure projects.
The Kwara State Government has announced the abolition of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levy across all public primary schools in the state, replacing it with annual school grants to serve as running costs for the institutions.
The disclosure was made by the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, during the bid opening for the 2024 (3rd and 4th quarters) UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects held in Ilorin, the state capital.
He announced the immediate flag-off of grant disbursement to at least 1,717 public schools, marking a significant step toward easing the financial burden on parents and improving access to free basic education.
Free Textbooks and Learning Materials
Adaramaja also revealed that Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq has approved the procurement of English and Mathematics textbooks, which will be distributed free of charge to pupils in Primary 1 to 6 across the state.
The initiative, he said, aligns with the administration’s commitment to quality education, ensuring that every child in Kwara has access to essential learning materials regardless of background.
Major Education Infrastructure Projects
Speaking on the ongoing UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects, Adaramaja outlined several critical initiatives that will be executed across the state. These include:
- Construction of a block of two classrooms with an office.
- Construction of VIP toilets in selected schools.
- Remodeling and renovation of existing classrooms.
- Drilling of solar-powered boreholes with tank stands.
- Rehabilitation of digital literacy centres across the state.
- Procurement of foundation literacy teaching and learning materials for Primary 1.
- Fabrication and distribution of two-seater pupils’ furniture.
- Implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative in selected local government areas.
He disclosed that Governor AbdulRazaq has also approved the payment of 2025 counterpart funds for the UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects, ensuring continuity and timely execution of education infrastructure programmes.
Accountability and Quality Assurance
Adaramaja urged contractors handling the projects to adhere strictly to specifications, warning that shoddy work will not be tolerated. He emphasised that the government’s focus is on delivering durable and high-quality infrastructure that will enhance the learning environment for pupils.
He commended the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, and other key stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the programme, noting that the collaboration between UBEC and SUBEB continues to strengthen the foundation of basic education in Kwara State.
Commitment to Free and Inclusive Education
The abolition of PTA levies and the introduction of school grants mark a major policy shift aimed at making public education truly free and inclusive. The initiative is expected to reduce financial pressure on parents, promote enrolment and retention, and ensure that schools have the necessary resources to operate effectively.
The Kwara State Government reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable education reforms, teacher empowerment, and infrastructure development, positioning the state as a model for basic education transformation in Nigeria.