Why We Declare Free Education In Kano – Commissioner

Apparently disturbed by reports that Kano State is rated low among other states in education with poor enrollment figures of its children into basic schools, Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has declared free education at primary, secondary and tertiary school levels geared towards gradual shift to a knowledge-based economy............

In a press conference to shed light on the 2014 budget proposals, held at Audu Bako Secretariat, Kano, Kano State Commissioner of Budget and Planning, Yusuf Bello Dambatta emphasised that the declaration for free education was borne out of Governor Kwankwaso’s conviction for mass education at all levels in the state.

“We didn’t craft free education to achieve cheap popularity,” Danbatta said.

He stated that the money payable by students as school fees and tuition fees in case of tertiary schools will be taken care of by the 2014 budget, adding that “it amounts to N2billion naira in other receipts of Kano government”.

He said that the 2014 budget will also aim at the completion of 90 per cent of the ongoing projects, adding that no new projects will be executed in the year 2014 apart from the road along Kabuga way in Kano metropolis.

According to him, to fulfill the desire of the state government to provide adequate water supply, light for industries and sustain ongoing street lightening, N5billion was appropriated for executing 35 megawatts Independent Power project. He said the project will be funded between state and local governments.

He explained that in line with government’s policy of financial discipline and transparency, “the state government did not borrow money from any financial institution, and it is exiting from the previous borrowing with the commitment of about N35billion”.

He said the 2014 budget appropriated ‘constituency project’ sum to the tune of N2.2billion for local governments’ infrastructure development, and N25billion for a five-kilometer road in each of the 44 local governments.

Danbatta lauded the priorities of the state government in approving 68 per cent of the budget for capital expenditure, and 32 per cent for recurrent expenditure.

Source:Leadership