PRESS RELEASE
The Yobe State Government has spent N3,032,275,200.00 on various education-related expenses, including the rehabilitation and expansion of three secondary schools, feeding of students in boarding schools and payment of fees for students writing the West African Examinations (WAEC).
A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Abdullahi Bego, said other commitments include payment special remedial programme for Yobe students in the University of Maiduguri as well as fees for Yobe students in various Nigeria-Tulip International Colleges, NTIC, in Mamudo, Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja, amongst others.
“H.E Governor Ibrahim Gaidam gave approval for the various payments, as part of his determination to bring quality education within the reach of Yobe’s students,” Mr Bego said.
“A breakdown of the funds spent by the government in the recent period shows that around N1.3 billion was committed to renovating, expanding and upgrading Government Secondary Schools Fika, Gwio-Kura and Yunusari, N408, 867, 650.00 was spent in the feeding of boarding school students during the last academic term and N188, 932, 300.00 is being spent in the current (ongoing) academic term.
“The State Government has also made a 50 percent down payment to WAEC for the 2017 WAEC exams; a condition that must be met for any state government to have its students participate in the year’s WAEC examinations. The remaining 50 percent will be paid during the year as Yobe students sit for the exams.
“Under a special arrangement with the University of Maiduguri, Yobe students undertake a remedial programme each year to enable them fully qualify for admission to various courses in the University. A total sum of N52, 565, 000 was therefore paid by the government for up to 5, 000 students to participate in this year’s remedial programme.
“The Gaidam administration also spent N971, 598, 000 as fees for the 2016/2017 session for Yobe students enrolled in the Nigeria-Tulip International Colleges (formerly Nigeria-Turkish International Colleges) in Mamudo, Kano, Kaduna and Abuja campuses.
“The State Government has also paid N27, 732, 250.00 in registration, examinations and upkeep of Yobe students admitted under a special Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) into Fountain University, Oshogbo.
“His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has also granted approval for a monthly standing payment of N18, 700, 000.00 for the purchase of cows to be slaughtered and used for boarding school students across the state.
“The public may also note that the governor has approved N33 million for the drilling of boreholes for potable water supply in the three secondary schools currently being upgraded by the government (in Yunusari, Gwio-Kura and Fika towns).
“As the upgrade of the three secondary schools nears completion, His Excellency the governor has ordered a process for the supply of laboratory equipment, classroom and staff room furniture, beddings, library books, and other essential supplies for the schools to move forward.
“In keeping with His Excellency’s promise, all these items will be provided to the three affected schools within the next few weeks.
“The governor assures parents, students and teachers that his administration will continue to give the educational development of the state the highest possible attention.”
