Niger State introduces a 5% levy on agro produce to finance education

The Niger State Government announced that it will implement a 5% levy on all agricultural produce originating from the state to support education, with the policy projected to generate over N200bn.

At the same time, the government plans to invest N300bn this year to improve basic educational infrastructure throughout the state.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, speaking in Minna on Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the revitalization of basic education infrastructure—starting with Marafa Basic School as the pilot project—stated that the government has finalized plans to allocate an additional N100bn for remodeling and transforming certain schools into mega institutions.

Bago explained that, as part of the administration’s commitment to quality education, another N5bn would be dedicated to expanding and upgrading 25 nomadic schools, along with providing interventions for Quranic and Sangaya Schools. A separate allocation of N5bn has been reserved for the education of children with Special Needs over the next five years.

He further revealed that the government intends to supply 1 million computers and tablets to all public schools in the state to ensure students are aligned with global learning standards.

Describing education as a “fundamental Human Right,” the governor emphasized that every child in the state deserves access to education, which is why the government has declared it “free and compulsory at the basic level.”

Bago reassured citizens that the new Niger agenda “is determined to provide succour to Nigerlites at all levels,” while expressing appreciation to the Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEC) for its ongoing partnership and support in advancing basic education.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Muhammad Baba Ibrahim, stated that upon remodeling, Marafa Basic School will feature 128 classrooms, of which 110 will be dedicated to teaching. The school will also include 5 e-libraries, 2 basic science laboratories, 2 basic technology laboratories, 2 entrepreneurship clubs, 2 home economics centers, and 2 resource centers for children with special needs.

Baba Ibrahim added that the facility will have 1 resource center for teachers, while 104 schools across the state will be upgraded and standardized.