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Kwara Abolishes PTA Levy, Approves Grants and Free Textbooks for Public Schools

Phinadon Mag

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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.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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