To curb growing insecurity and protect school communities, the Kwara State Government has ordered the closure of 45 public schools.
This development is as a result of repeated attacks by bandits in rural communities in the state.
Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Kawu, announced the decision after a joint security and education stakeholders’ meeting in Ilorin.
She explained that the measure followed persistent insecurity that endangered teachers and students across several communities.
The affected schools are mainly in Edu, Patigi, Kaima, and Baruten Local Government Areas, where classrooms have come under frequent threats.
Teachers and administrative staff from those schools are being redeployed to safer locations within nearby communities to continue their duties.
“Our priority is the safety of our children and teachers. We cannot allow learning to continue in areas repeatedly attacked by bandits.
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Relocation ensures that no teacher loses their job while we strengthen security in those areas,” Kawu stated.
In another move aimed at easing financial pressure on parents, the government has abolished all forms of Parent-Teacher Association,PTA, levies in public schools. These levies, it said, had become an extra burden on households already struggling with the rising cost of living.
To replace the levies, the state has approved annual school grants to cover maintenance, minor infrastructure, and administrative costs.
Kawu noted that the funds will be disbursed directly to school heads under close monitoring to ensure accountability and effective use.
“No child should be denied education because of levies. The new grants system will help schools function effectively without overburdening parents,” she said.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the education sector, pledging more investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and the rehabilitation of rural schools once the security situation stabilizes.
Security agencies have also been directed to intensify patrols and intelligence operations across affected areas to pave the way for the safe reopening of the closed schools.
Crediblenewsng.com
