Francis Sardauna in Katsina
The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari has restated his administration’s commitment to revamp the education sector, saying that the continued flow of revenue from the federal account to the state will enable it to, on monthly basis, put up 10 blocks of classrooms in the state.
He regretted that successive administrations in the state neglected the sector, which made them to record “200 to 300 pupils per class in the schools.”
The governor, who spoke shortly after pupils of various primary schools within Katsina metropolis performed the cultural ‘Tashe’ at the Government House, said his administration will continue to renovate and upgrade schools throughout the state.
“I want to avoid recalling what happened in the past, but facts must be stated as they are for history to take proper perspective. When I visited Kahutu to inspect a road, I came face to face with grim reality where I saw three primary schools with buildings on the ground. But today, the story is different as the affected schools are re-constructed.”
He urged parents to show more interest in the educational development of their children and to ensure that they attend schools instead of allowing them to roam the streets.
The governor announced Hajj seats for the head teacher of Hamza Maigoro Memorial Primary School and the Education Secretary of Katsina Local Government.
The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Lawal Daura thanked the governor for allowing the pupils on annual basis to showcase the culture of the people through the Tashe.
He promised that the board would continue to implement policies geared towards revamping the dwindling fortunes of education in the state.
Also, the Executive Director of the state History and Culture Bureau commended Masari for according proper attention to restoring the historical and cultural identity of Katsina and Daura people.
He announced that the state has awarded contract for the renovation, rehabilitation and upgrade of the open air theatre along Jibiya Road.
“Since the construction of the theatre in 1998, not a single administration offered to give attention to the structure until the coming of Masari. However, the bureau had been winning prizes, trophies and laurels during the NAFEST and other organised fiestas in the country.”
The event, which featured the display of the Tashe and drama by primary school pupils, was witnessed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa; a former Speaker of the State Assembly, Alhaji Aliyu Muduru, among other dignitaries.
