Basic Education: Nasarawa Records Increase In Child Enrollment-Official

Nasarawa state government says child enrollment in primary schools across the state has tripled due to the collaboration between Universal Basic Education and the Nasarawa state government.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Silas Agara, said this in Lafia on Tuesday when the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, led Dr Hameed Boboye, Executive Secretary of Universal Education Board and other officials on a courtesy visit to him.
Agara said that the improvement recorded in the enrollment of children in schools across the state, was due to the proactive approach of the Governor Umaru Al-Makura’s administration.
He said the administration provided new and adequate structures and paid the state’s counterpart fund, a prerequisite for support from UBEC.
He said: “We met structures completely decayed when we came on board in 2011; the enrollment roll was quite low.
“But we got to work and cleared all our counterpart obligations from 2012 to 2016 to enable us access funds; today, our schools are wearing a new look.
“Our kids saw new structures in their villages and were excited and that encouraged parents to send their children to schools. Our improved relationship with UBEC played a key role in the improved enrollment.”
He explained that apart from the support and synergy with UBEC, the state government had to introduce free education at all levels across the state, to encourage more enrollment and meet the basic law.
Agara explained further that the state government supported the education of the physically challenged with structures in Lafia, Akwanga and Keffi Local Government Areas.
Government also paid fees for the physically challenged children to encourage their enrollment in schools.
He said that in spite of the challenges, people with special needs have been encouraged to go to school.
We have permanent structures for people with special needs in Nasarawa.
Agara said: “We have one in Lafia that is 100 per cent completed and commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari; we also have one in Akwanga and Keffi.
“We are hoping that by the end of the year, they will be completed.”