Niger State governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago has abolished the payment of Parent Teachers Association (PTA) levies in all public schools in the state in a bid to encourage more enrollment of children into schools.
The Governor said the state government would take over the payment of such levies in order to further reduce the burden on parents and increase the enrollment of children, especially the girl child into schools.
Governor announced this on Thursday – today, January 16 – in Sarkin Pawa, the headquarters of Munya local area of the state in continuation of his statewide tour of ongoing projects.
He, therefore, warned Headmasters and Principals of public primary and secondary schools to stop further collection of PTA levies from school children, warning that “anyone found wanting will be sanctioned accordingly.”
The Governor, nonetheless, urged parents to enroll their wards into school, especially the girl child, pointing out that school uniforms should not be an impediment to any children from going to school.
According to him, children can go to school in their personal dresses, not necessarily in school uniform.
“Allow your children to go to school; school uniform should not be an impediment and any teacher that sends your child back home because of the uniform, please report him; he will also be sent packing from the school,” Bago warned.
He maintained that the government has taken the responsibility of PTA levies of all children in public schools in the state, and asked parents and guardians not to pay PTA levies for their children any more.
While inspecting some ongoing projects in the area, the Governor expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being done by the various contractors and enjoined them to maintain the standard and ensure timely completion of those projects.
Bago also promised to complete the Sarikin Pawa to Kaduna State road project, which was started in 2002, in addition to constructing a modern market, providing potable drinking water as well as primary healthcare center for the people, among others.
The Chairman, Munya local Council, Aminu Najumi and some political leaders from the area, including the Commissioner of Lands and Housing, Barrister Moses Magaji, and Mr Peter Sankara, in their separate remarks, commended the Governor for his people-oriented projects in the area, describing his landmark achievements in office in the last one year and seven months as unprecedented.
They told the Governor that the area is experiencing relative peace now after years of banditry, and commended him for providing enough security agents to protect life and property of the people
