Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has approved the construction of new 3-storey classroom blocks and a massive renovation of existing school infrastructure across the state to address overcrowding and improve learning conditions.
Peter Ahemba, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor on Public Affairs stated this at a bimonthly press conference to discuss sectoral achievements of the government on Monday in Lafia.
He explained that the governor had already paid the counterpart fund to the Universal Basic Education Commission and the state Universal Basic Education Board has already assessed the money for the projects.
He said that under the new plan, 3-storey classroom buildings would be constructed in selected public secondary schools in the three senatorial zones to ease pressure on existing classrooms.
The governor’s aide further noted that the governor also approved large-scale renovation and rehabilitation of dilapidated primary and secondary schools across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.
He said that the scope of the renovation covers fencing, roofing, flooring, windows, doors, toilets, water supply, and furniture.
“This administration is committed to providing a conducive environment for teaching and learning and the projects are part of the administration’s agenda to reposition education in the state,” he explained.
The SSA said that the priority for the renovation would be given to schools with the worst infrastructure deficit, especially in rural areas.
On the recruitment of 1000 primary school teachers to be deployed to schools in rural areas, the SSA said that the process is ongoing and examination and screening exercises were already concluded by the recruitment firm.
He however, explained that out of the over 6000 applicants who sat for the screening examination, only 600 qualified from the exercise.
“The recruitment firm has submitted the report of the outcome to the state universal basic education board and the board is currently studying it for onward action,” Ahemba added.
The SSA further explained that the governor has approved the construction of five mini stadiums in the three senatorial zones of the state to boost grassroots sports development and youth engagement.
He said that the mini stadium would be constructed in Toto, Keffi, Kokona, Akwanga and Doma Local Government Areas for now to boost grassroots sports development and youth engagement. (NAN).
