In a bid to increase enrollment and alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal by the federal government, the Niger State Government has announced plans to offer free transportation for pupils attending public schools in the state.
This initiative was revealed by Governor Mohammed Bago during a meeting with officials of the National Examination Council (NECO) at the Government House in Minna. The delegation was headed by Prof Ibrahim Wushishi, the registrar and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NECO.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Governor Bago stated, “The provision of free transportation for children in basic education will not only encourage school attendance but also help mitigate the burden imposed by the subsidy removal.”
The governor emphasized the importance of collaboration between the state government and NECO to address issues related to out-of-school children and girl-child education. He urged NECO to explore ways of incorporating vocational training into the education curriculum, aiming to equip students with skills that make them self-reliant.
Furthermore, Governor Bago called on NECO to fulfill its corporate social responsibilities by supporting the state in tangible ways. He expressed his disappointment, stating, “We have not seen any classroom block renovated or constructed by NECO. It is not enough to be a tenant in our state; you must contribute to the development of our communities.”
In response, Prof Wushishi acknowledged that the primary purpose of their visit was to congratulate Governor Bago on his electoral victory and successful inauguration. He also expressed the need for increased collaboration between NECO and the Niger State Government, citing the potential for mutual benefits.
By providing free transportation for public school pupils, the Niger State Government hopes to remove one of the barriers to education faced by many families. This initiative not only supports the quest for inclusive education but also alleviates the financial strain caused by the recent fuel subsidy removal.
