The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has commenced the distribution of instructional materials and sports kits to pupils in public basic schools across the state’s 16 local governments. This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to enhancing educational standards and alleviating the financial burden on parents, considering the current economic challenges in the country.
This distribution event follows the opening of bids for the 2020 FGN-UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects, which attracted the interest of over 215 contractors.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun local government area, the Governor emphasized the significance of the distribution of instructional materials and sports kits. These materials, procured from UBEC/KWSUBEB interventions in 2018 and 2019, will contribute to the improvement of basic education in the state, reduce the financial strain on parents, and positively impact the overall learning experience of the pupils.
The programme, represented by Deputy Governor Mr. Kayode Alabi, also aims to revitalize physical education and sports activities in schools, ultimately promoting good health and well-being among the pupils. Governor AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to ensuring effective teaching and learning by prioritizing actions such as timely salary payments, prompt implementation of promotions, provision of palliatives, and the availability of instructional materials. These measures create a conducive teaching and learning environment in Kwara state schools.
The Governor expressed appreciation to various stakeholders, including school leaders, administrators, teachers, and non-teaching staff, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the success of the government’s educational programs. Notable individuals present at the event included the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Rebecca Bake Olanrewaju, TIC Chairmen for Irepodun and Oke-Ero, Comrade Jide Oyinloye and Gbenga Yusuf respectively, traditional rulers from Irepodun LG led by the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu, and former Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Princess Olubukola Babalola.
Chairman of Kwara SUBEB, Professor Raheem Adaramaja, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his commitment towards repositioning the education sector. He acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in procuring high-value textbooks and sports kits that promote the physical and mental well-being of students. Adaramaja also thanked the federal government through UBEC, as well as royal fathers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders who played significant roles in the successes recorded in the state’s education sector.
Mrs. Olanrewaju, in her remarks, expressed admiration for the unique and commendable developments witnessed in Kwara’s education sector. She urged the benefiting schools to ensure the proper delivery and maintenance of the provided items to achieve the desired impact. Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, praised the government’s dedication to transforming the education sector, which he described as the bedrock of any society. He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his commitment to the welfare of the masses and for empowering the youth to achieve their dreams.
The distribution of instructional materials includes textbooks in subjects such as Mathematics, English, Basic and Technology, Computer, Nigerian History, and Jolly Phonics. Other items to be distributed are plastic chairs and tables, ECCD materials, ICT equipment materials, and toys for ECCD. The sports facilities include sets of table tennis, Jessey sets, traditional opon ayo boards, volleyballs, focal balls, handballs, boots, crutches, mobile canes, typewriters, talking calculators, print magnifiers, digital recorders, adaptive laptops, sensory toys, walking frames, and wheelchairs for pupils with physical disabilities.
