Kebbi Govt to spend N9.2bn on schools rehabilitation, educational materials
Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, on Monday, said the state government has earmarked N9.2 billion for the procurement of educational materials, school furniture, and massive rehabilitation of public schools.
The governor, who made this known in Birnin Kebbi while declaring open the National Executive Council meeting of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), said ₦2.7 billion would be spent on educational materials such as books, and ₦6.5 billion on school rehabilitation, furniture procurement, and teacher training.
“In Kebbi, we do not owe salaries, death benefits, gratuities, or leave grants,” he said, adding that the government has so far, recruited 2,000 teachers, and plans to employ more.
Governor Idris highlighted several achievements of his administration over the past two years, particularly in infrastructure development across all local government areas.
These, he said, included notable projects such as the Ultra-Modern Secretariat Complex in Gwadangaji and the ongoing construction of the Koko-Dabai Road, projects that had stalled under previous administrations.
“We are operating a free education policy, improved school feeding programme, and have paid scholarships for our students both within and outside the country,” he stated. “Last year alone, we spent over ₦2 billion on scholarships.”
He added that the administration has recruited more than 2,000 health workers and distributed fertilizer and farming inputs worth millions of naira to farmers at no cost.
“I have fulfilled 85 percent of my campaign promises,” Governor Idris declared.
He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and privileges of workers, particularly teachers, drawing from his background as a teacher and former union leader.
Governor Idris appreciated the NUT leadership for choosing Kebbi State as host for the NEC meeting, describing the occasion as both a professional engagement and a reunion with old colleagues and friends.
Governor Idris emphasized that his government would remain worker-friendly, ensuring all entitlements due to civil servants, including teachers are protected and promptly paid.
He noted that Kebbi is among the few states in Nigeria that have fully implemented the minimum wage and boasts one of the most attractive salary structures in Northern Nigeria.
The Governor added that, through prudent management of resources, the state is capable of paying workers’ salaries for up to six months without federal allocation.
In his remarks, NUT National President, Mr. Titus Audu Amba, lauded the Governor for hosting the NEC meeting. He described the day as historic for Nigerian teachers, who were proud to be hosted by one of their own.
Amba referred to the NUT as Governor Idris’s “second constituency,” expressing pride in his achievements within a short span.
“Our mission here is to interface with the Governor and commend his sterling legacy as a former NUT National President. His administration’s accomplishments in two years are remarkable,” Amba said.
He also praised the Governor for appointing at least six former NUT officials as Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service, adding, “With a professional teacher as Governor, Kebbi State has witnessed tremendous progress.”
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Halima Mohammed Bande, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji Nayalwa, described Dr. Idris as a “professional teacher par excellence” and a patriotic leader committed to transparency and progress.
She commended the Governor’s prioritization of the education sector and added, “I must confess, union leaders make the best leaders. The Governor has driven the state to enviable heights in the education sector.”
Earlier, the State Acting NUT Chairman, Comrade Usman Adamu Isgogo, welcomed participants to Kebbi State and outlined the Governor’s educational achievements, which include the recruitment of over 2,000 qualified teachers, renovation of dilapidated schools, construction of new classrooms, provision of school furniture, and the prompt payment of tuition fees for Kebbi State indigenes studying in tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria.
