Kaduna requires N50 billion annually to standardise primary education – Commissioner

The money will enable the state build new classrooms and renovate dilapidated ones.

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The Kaduna State Government on Wednesday said it requires N50 billion annually to standardise and fix its primary education.

The Commissioner for Education, Ibrahim Ali, made this known in an interview after a meeting with Principals from Northern Kaduna Senatorial District in Zaria.

Mr. Ali said the money would not only facilitate the standardisation of primary education in the state but it would also make it excellent among its contemporaries.

According to him, it will enable the state build new classrooms, renovate dilapidated ones and adequately build the capacity of teachers, among other things.

“In 2012/2013, the state government spent three billion naira to renovate some primary schools but if we want to put all our schools in order, we need about N50 billion annually.

“I am assuring you that we have gone a long way in renovating many primary schools and building of new ones,’’ he said.

He, therefore, appealed to all to complement government efforts at improving the standard of education as government alone would not be able to shoulder all responsibilities in education.

On the essence of the meeting, Mr. Ali said apart from enhancing the capacity of the principals, it would identify and deliberate on problems militating against the growth of education.

“We want to improve the standard of education in the state and this can only be achieved through this kind of meeting which will help us see how inspection is taking place.

“It will also enable us understand whether teachers are punctual or not, whether principals are discharging their responsibilities or not, while we strategise toward enhancing the professional development of our teachers.’’

On non-release of contractors’ cheques for feeding of boarding students, he said initially, principals were being given free hand to use the money generated but some of them abused the privilege.

He said that the delay would teach the principals a lesson so that when given another opportunity they would utilise it wisely.

(NAN)