The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, says no Nigerian child should miss education because of financial hardship.
She said President Bola Tinubu’s administration has prioritised policies that make schooling accessible to every child.
Ahmad said government interventions have widened educational access and reduced financial barriers confronting students across the country.
She cited the Nigeria Education Loan Fund as a major intervention supporting tertiary students.
The minister spoke on Friday during an inspection of schools under the AGILE programme in Kano.
She visited Government Girls College and Government Girls Secondary School, Dukawuya, to assess infrastructure and learning conditions.
According to her, education financing reforms have removed tuition concerns for many students nationwide.
“Poverty is no more an excuse not to go to school. Not only is your tuition paid, but stipends support transportation, daily subsistence and study materials,” she said.
She urged students, especially girls, to embrace the opportunities created through government reforms.
Ahmad explained that free online skills programmes have also been introduced for youth empowerment.
She said beneficiaries received monthly stipends and starter packs to encourage entrepreneurship after academic training.
“Girls are the future in ensuring societal progress. They must stay focused and use these facilities wisely,” she said.
During the inspection, Ahmad observed lapses in renovated classrooms, laboratories and sanitation facilities.
She directed principals and school management committees to correct identified deficiencies within three weeks.
The minister also warned against locking laboratories and computer centres meant for students’ use.
She promised to brief Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on her observations.
Ahmad expressed confidence that the state government would act swiftly on the recommendations.
Earlier, Kano State Commissioner for Education, Ali Makoda, outlined ongoing projects.
Makoda said the state approved contracts worth ₦24 billion for new school construction.
He said 49 schools would be built, while 300 others would undergo renovation statewide.
Makoda added that education had received over 30 per cent of the state budget since 2023.
AGILE National Coordinator, Amina Buba Haruna, highlighted recent achievements under the programme.
Haruna said 100 schools in Kano now have solar-powered digital learning facilities, disclosing approval for another 180 schools under the expansion phase.
Haruna also confirmed plans to establish 89 new girls’ secondary schools within one year.
She said the AGILE project, supported by the World Bank, sought better education access for girls.
NAN
