By Adenike Lawal
The Kwara State Government has abolished the long-standing Parents Teachers Association (PTA), levy in all public primary schools, replacing it with an annual grant system to support school operations.
Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, announced the development during the opening of the bid process for the 2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)/SUBEB intervention projects for the third and fourth quarters.
Adaramaja said Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq approved the abolition as part of efforts to make basic education truly free and inclusive across the state.
He explained that the government will now provide annual running costs to all 1,717 public primary schools to ensure effective administration and maintenance.
“From Primary 1 to Primary 6, parents will no longer be required to pay any PTA fees in public schools. The state will take full responsibility for funding,” he stated.
He also disclosed that the governor has approved the free distribution of English and Mathematics textbooks to all pupils in public primary schools to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes.
Speaking on the UBEC/SUBEB projects, Adaramaja said they will cover the construction of new classroom blocks with offices, remodeling of existing structures, provision of toilets, drilling of solar-powered boreholes, rehabilitation of digital learning centers, and supply of foundation-level teaching materials.
He added that the projects would also provide two-seater desks for pupils, promote the Safe Schools Initiative in selected local government areas, and enhance early-grade literacy.
Adaramaja further revealed that Governor AbdulRazaq has approved the payment of the 2025 counterpart fund to ensure seamless execution of the intervention projects.
The SUBEB chairman warned contractors to adhere strictly to project specifications and quality standards, stressing that the government would not tolerate substandard work.
He commended UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Hajiya Aisha Garba, and other partners for their continued support in advancing basic education in the state.
Responding on behalf of contractors, Alhaji Maroof Ahmed, Secretary of the Indigenous Contractors Association, thanked the government for its transparent bidding process and pledged full compliance with contractual expectations.
With this policy shift, the Kwara State Government seeks to strengthen access to free, quality, and equitable basic education while easing the financial burden on parents.
