Ganduje distributes N2bn books, instructional materials to primary schools

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, yesterday began the distribution of textbooks and instructional materials worth over N2 billion to public schools in the state.

The materials include 221 million English, Mathematics and Basic Sciences textbooks, laboratory equipment and cartons of chalk to basic and junior secondary schools across the 44 local government areas.

This was part of the weeklong activities to mark the second edition of Kano Basic Education Week.

Speaking at the official unveiling of the educational materials at SUBEB headquarters in Kano, Ganduje said the huge investment on education was born out of his administration’s commitment to quality education.

Besides, Ganduje explained that government’s resolution to quality teaching and learning, also informed the 26 per cent increase in budgetary allocation to the sector in the 2019 appropriation bill.

Ganduje, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Usman Alhaji, said in spite of the challenges facing the sector, government would not relent to improve funding for education infrastructure in the state.

His words: “We are aware of the multiple challenges in our education system and efforts to meet the increasing population. For now, we have over four million in our public schools. This is more than the population of some states.”

The governor cautioned the management of SUBEB against diversion of the materials into the markets, while challenging the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) and other relevant associations to ensure proper management of the materials. He threatened to sanction any persons caught diverting the materials.

Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, represented by Jarimin Kano, Professor Isa Hasimu, commended government’s efforts and urged parents to ensure proper educational training of their children.