By Correspondent in Minna
Governor in the middle exchanging views with a contractor,left,during the tour of projects in the state.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has announced the abolition of all Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) levies in public primary and secondary schools to alleviate the financial strain on parents.
The decision, intended to curb exploitative practices in schools, was revealed during the Governor’s visit to Sarkin-Pawa in Munya Local Government Area on Thursday.
Governor Bago declared that the state government would now cover the costs traditionally associated with PTA levies.
He urged parents and guardians to disregard any requests for PTA payments from school administrators, including Headmasters and Principals, as these will no longer be required.
This initiative is part of the Governor’s broader strategy to reduce the financial burden on families, particularly in rural areas, and to combat the alarming rate of school dropouts.
He specifically directed school officials to refrain from collecting PTA fees, warning that those who defy the directive would face strict penalties.
Governor Bago also emphasized the importance of educating the girl-child.
He advised parents to enroll their children in school, regardless of uniform requirements, stressing that “school uniforms should not be an impediment to attaining basic education.”
He encouraged parents to allow children, especially girls, to attend school in their personal attire, if necessary.
Governor Bago also inspected several ongoing infrastructure projects in the state and pledged additional developments, including a road linking Sarkin-Pawa to Kaduna State, a modern market, clean drinking water, and improved healthcare facilities for the community.
In his remarks, Alhaji Aminu Najumi, Chairman of Munya Local Government, and Maurice Magaji, Commissioner for Lands and Housing, both commended the Governor’s efforts in addressing local security challenges by enhancing the presence of security forces to protect residents and their property.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
