Nasarawa to invest N12bn to renovate 690 Schools, built 30 new ones

By David Odama

Desired to improve on the existing primary schools and increase number of schools in the state, Nasarawa State Government has concluded arrangements to renovate 690 existing primary schools as well as building 30 additional new ones at the cost of over N12bn.

Commissioner for Education, Dr John Mamman drop the hint in an interview with journalists in Lafia, on Friday.

According to the Commissioner, the fund to be spent on the projects is a counterpart funding in collaboration with World Bank, as well as an a Non Governmental Organization, ‘Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment’ (AGILE), who are already on ground to supervise the implementation of the projects.

“The state government first paid N150 million and the World Bank is more than willing to give in return. The Governor, is willing to pay more this year so that we can add to the standard of renovations and construction of new schools”, the Commissioner stated

“The first phase of the projects will see to the renovation of 690 schools, while the second phase will see to the construction of 30 new schools.

“In the first phase, we are doing renovations, supply of water, parameter fencing of schools of 690. In the second phase we have construction of new schools numbering 30, so these are the rolling plans we have. This is In addition to bilingual education system that we will want to partner with World Bank to see how we can bring all these almajiris from Tsangaya schools to merge them with formal education system in the state” he said.

Dr. Mamman, thanked Governor Abdullahi Sule, for approving and subsequent release of 150 million naira to the partners to enable the state access the fund to revamp the education sector of the State.

The commissioner who lamented that a total of 272 primary and secondary schools were affected by windstorm last raining season, said so far over 80 were fixed to enable students and teachers learn under conducive atmosphere.

He also disclosed that the state Government through the ministry of education, recently distributed learning materials worth 46 million naira to secondary schools for effective learning.

The commissioner then denied the allegations that some schools were tasking students to buy chalk and learning materials, as he warned that any school principal or teacher found wanting in this regard will be punished.

Dr Mamman, who disclosed that he was a teacher for good 14 years in various secondary schools, called on all teachers in the state to observe teaching ethics, rules, regulations, pattern and behavior, “because as a teacher, if you are not a role model, then you are something else” he said.

On the other hand, he implored students to make learning the center piece of the pattern of their behaviors, as he urged them to shun social vices/media and devote more time to learn and build their future.