By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
The Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB) has expressed profound gratitude to the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for his decision to allocate N30.9 billion towards the refurbishment of public schools in the federal capital.
Dr. Hassan Sule, the acting Chairman of the Board and its Secretary, conveyed this commendation while addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday.
Sule lauded the pivotal move by the FCT Minister, emphasizing that the substantial allocation would significantly bolster the delivery of basic education services within the nation’s capital.
He underscored the transformative potential of the funds, asserting that if effectively utilized, they could alleviate issues such as overpopulation in FCT schools and the prevalence of out-of-school children.
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According to Sule, the burgeoning enrollment of pupils and students has placed immense strain on the infrastructure of public schools, particularly in area councils like Kwali, Abaji, Gwagwalada, and Kuje, where enrollment figures have surged due to urban migration.
“As enrollment rates continue to climb, it is imperative that our schools receive simultaneous attention to ensure continued access to quality basic education for children in the FCT,” remarked Sule.
He expressed gratitude for the FCT Minister’s proactive stance in approving the substantial funds, which will address pressing challenges confronting schools across the territory.
Sule disclosed that while the majority of schools will benefit from the N30.9 billion intervention, those not covered in this phase will be prioritized in the 2023 UBEB Intervention Action Plan, particularly schools in Abaji, Gwagwalada, and nomadic settlements established by local communities.
Highlighting the achievements of the FCT-UBEB, Sule cited the successful rehabilitation and construction of over 400 classrooms, along with the training of more than 7,000 teachers. Additionally, the distribution of over 150,000 textbooks has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in basic schools.
The allocation of N30.9 billion for school rehabilitation was announced by Dr. Danlami Hayyo, the Mandate Secretary of the Education Secretariat, FCT Administration. The funding comprises N13.3 billion for the renovation of 40 schools, N13.1 billion for accelerated whole-school rehabilitation, and N4.5 billion earmarked for the renovation of four schools under the second phase of the rehabilitation initiative.
