The Kwara State government has officially prohibited the collection of parent-teacher association (PTA) levies in all public primary schools within the state.
In place of the PTA fees, the government has sanctioned annual grants to support the operational expenses of these schools.
Professor Shehu Adaramaja, chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), revealed this update during an event held in Ilorin, the state’s capital.
The announcement came during the bid opening ceremony for the 2024 third and fourth quarter UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.
“The governor has mandated an immediate halt to PTA payments for all public primary schools, covering pupils from Primary 1 through Primary 6,” Adaramaja stated.
He further confirmed the prompt release of grants to benefit at least 1,717 public schools across Kwara State.
Additionally, Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq has authorized the procurement of English and Mathematics textbooks, which will be distributed free of charge to students from Primary 1 to 6 statewide.
Regarding the intervention projects, Adaramaja outlined that they encompass vital initiatives such as constructing two-classroom blocks with administrative offices, building VIP toilets, renovating existing classrooms, installing solar-powered boreholes with water tanks, enhancing digital literacy programs, supplying foundational literacy teaching materials for Primary 1, manufacturing and distributing two-seater student desks, and implementing safe school initiatives in selected local government areas.
He also revealed that the governor has approved the release of counterpart funds for the 2025 UBEC/SUBEB projects to ensure continuity.
Adaramaja called on contractors to adhere strictly to project specifications, emphasizing that substandard workmanship will not be tolerated.
He commended the executive secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, alongside other stakeholders, for their invaluable contributions to the success of the program.
