The Kebbi State Government has set aside N6.5 billion for the renovation of primary and secondary schools across the state, as well as the supply of school furniture.
Governor Nasir Idris made this known on Monday at the opening ceremony of the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), held in Birnin Kebbi.
The NEC meeting is being hosted in honour of Governor Idris, a former NUT leader who rose through the ranks from State Chairman to National Treasurer, and ultimately National President. He also served as Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) before becoming governor.
Speaking at the event, Governor Idris highlighted several efforts by his administration to improve the education sector in the state, including the procurement of educational materials worth N2.7 billion for free distribution to students.
“I am the happiest person today. I thank God because people who truly understand the value of education are gathered here in Kebbi,” he said.
“We are currently operating a free education policy to ensure all children have access to formal education. We have also improved the feeding system in boarding schools to encourage students to remain in school,” he added.
In a move to address the issue of brain drain in the health sector, the governor said the state has reviewed doctors’ remuneration to match that of their counterparts at the federal level.
Governor Idris further mentioned that his administration had procured and distributed 520 trucks of fertilisers, 10,000 tillers, and 10,000 solar-powered water pumps to farmers across the state.
In his remarks, NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus-Amba, described Kebbi as the union’s “second home” and praised Governor Idris for his enduring contributions to the union.
“Your Excellency, many of our members have heard that their former president is now a governor, and today they are happy to see you in person,” he said.
He commended the governor for the policies and support that continue to benefit teachers nationwide.
“One of the legacies you left behind as NUT president is what I am enjoying today. If not for the extension of service years you facilitated, I would have been retired by now,” he added.
Titus-Amba described Idris’ emergence as governor as “divine” and a blessing to the people of Kebbi.
He also applauded the governor for promoting six teachers to the rank of Permanent Secretary, stating that the people of Kebbi made no mistake in electing a teacher to lead them.
Also speaking, Dr Halima Bande, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education—represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji Na-Yelwa—commended the governor for prioritising education and called for the sustainability of his reforms.
Earlier, the Acting State Chairman of NUT, Alhaji Usman Koko, expressed appreciation to the governor for his unwavering support to teachers and the education sector, noting the significant achievements recorded within less than two years of his administration.
