The Kwara State Government has abolished the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) levy in public primary schools, introducing yearly grants for school operations.
Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, disclosed this while declaring open the bidding process for the 2024 (3rd and 4th quarters) UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.
Prof. Adaramaja explained that the state would now take responsibility for providing operational funds for the 1,717 public primary schools.
”The Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the stoppage of the payment of PTA in all public primary schools in the state, from primary 1 to 6, no more payment of PTA in Kwara State,” he said.
The SUBEB Chairman further revealed that the governor had approved the supply of free English and Mathematics textbooks for pupils in public primary schools.
On the bid process, Adaramaja noted that the intervention would include projects such as the construction of a block of two classrooms with an office and the building of toilets.
”The intervention also covers the remodeling and renovation of classrooms, drilling of solar-powered borehole with tank stand and rehabilitation of digital literacy across the state.
”It also covers the procurement of foundation literacy teaching and learning materials for primary one, fabrication and distribution of 2-seater pupils/students’ furniture and safe schools initiative in some selected local governments, among others,” he said.
He added that Governor AbdulRazaq had also approved the release of counterpart funding for the 2025 UBEC/SUBEB intervention scheme.
The SUBEB boss urged successful contractors to stick to project requirements, stressing that poor quality jobs would not be tolerated.
Adaramaja commended the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, along with other partners, for their role in the programme’s progress.
Speaking on behalf of bidders, Alhaji Maroof Ahmed, Secretary of the Indigenous Contractors Association, expressed appreciation to the government for the chance to display their expertise.
He assured that contractors would ensure quality execution of projects and would not fail both the government and the people of Kwara State.
