Jonathan gave the directive while on a state visit to Nasarawa State, to commission the ultra-modern TA’AL Model Primary School, constructed by the Governor Tanko Al-Makura administration to provide qualitative, competitive and free education for the less privileged.
Represented by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, the president, who was not categorical with figures, said billions of naira have been approved and Education Minister, Ruquayyatu Rufai, has been directed to commence implementation as soon as possible.
The president also disclosed that Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in Africa, with a staggering 9.5 million children without access to basic education. While pledging the continued support of the Federal Government to Nasarawa State through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Jonathan also promised to provide free textbooks and science laboratory equipment to TA’AL model school and no fewer than 30 others, which are to be constructed in all the local government areas of the state.
Governor Al-Makura, however, observed with delight that, “This is the first time in many years that the president of our great nation would commission any project in the state.”
Al-Makura lamented that “despite the fundamental importance of education to the development of our society and its influence on our way of life, we lost our bearing on education a long time ago," adding that “there is no doubt that over the years, we have allowed mediocrity to invade the quality of our public schools.
“It is in this direction that we, as a government, in our quest to enhance social justice, have established this model school, not only for the elite but for all citizens of the state, including the rural population.”
Source: Daily Newswatch.
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