Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has approved the payment of N470m for accreditation of various courses and programs in five state-owned tertiary institutions and seven technical and commercial secondary schools.
This was contained in a statement issued by the state commissioner of education, Muhammad Bello, on Sunday.
Mr Bello said the release of the funds for accreditation by relevant regulatory bodies is a vital prerequisite that ensures the validity and legality of courses studied and certificates awarded to students.
Giving the breakdown of the approval, Mr Bello said the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic Zaria got N42,495,542.20, the College of Nursing and Midwifery N45,532,000.00, and College of Education Gidan Waya received N45,000,000.00.
He added that Kaduna State University received N291,481,794.00, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital received N26,640,000.00, and the Technical and Commercial Secondary Schools got approval of N18,000,000.00.
The commissioner noted that, “Indeed, this is a demonstration of the firm commitment of Governor Uba Sani to ensuring uninterrupted provision of quality education in Kaduna State.
“Education at all levels remains a top priority of the Uba Sani administration. Since his assumption of office, the Governor has embarked on swift and comprehensive reforms in the education sector, with a special focus on improving access, retention, and positive learning outcomes. The administration has also taken teacher welfare, conducive learning environment, and investment in infrastructure seriously.
He recalled that “In 2023, Governor Uba Sani announced a downward review of tuition fees across all state-owned tertiary institutions to increase access to education.
“The fee reductions range from 30% to 50% across institutions to mitigate the effect of rising cost of living. Similarly, the state government has reduced the hitherto N65,000 fee regime in the Kaduna Capital School to N23,000 per academic term.”
Other initiatives of the administration, according to the statement, include ”the groundbreaking for the construction of 62 new secondary schools across the state, completion/commissioning of six new science secondary schools, construction/renovation of several hostels, classrooms, and VIP conveniences. Groundbreaking construction of 50 additional new secondary schools and renovation of over 200 dilapidated school facilities are underway.”
He also stated that the state government has acquired full scholarships for 50 students to pursue ICT courses at Mewar International University, the first Indian International University with a West African campus.
Mr Bello stated that the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board’s selection method favoured students with the best JAMB results from each of the 23 local government areas, with special consideration for female applicants.
“Additionally, the sum of N205m was released for merit- and need-based scholarship disbursement to eligible students”, he added.