Gov AbdulRazaq Abolishes PTA Levy, Approves School Grants for Kwara Public Primary Schools

The Kwara State Government has announced the abolition of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) levy across all public primary schools in the state, replacing it with annual school grants to serve as running costs for the schools.

Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, made this known on Thursday in Ilorin, the state capital, during the opening of bids for the 2024 (3rd and 4th quarters) UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.

According to him, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the immediate stoppage of the PTA levy in all public primary schools from Primary 1 to 6. He also announced the commencement of disbursement of grants to no fewer than 1,717 schools across the state.

“The Governor has approved the stoppage of the payment of PTA in all public primary schools in Kwara State. From Primary 1 to 6, no more payment of PTA in the state. To sustain smooth operations in our schools, the government has approved annual grants as replacements,” Adaramaja said.

He further disclosed that the Governor has approved the procurement of English and Mathematics textbooks for all pupils in public primary schools, which will be distributed free of charge.

Speaking on the ongoing bid process, Adaramaja explained that the UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects will cover the construction of classroom blocks with offices, VIP toilets, renovation and remodeling of existing structures, drilling of solar-powered boreholes, rehabilitation of digital literacy centers, procurement of foundational literacy materials for Primary 1, fabrication of double-seater furniture for pupils, and implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative across selected local government areas.

The SUBEB boss commended the state government for its continuous investment in school infrastructure, teachers’ welfare, and human capital development. He added that Governor AbdulRazaq has also approved the payment of the 2025 counterpart funds for the UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects.

Adaramaja urged contractors who will handle the projects to adhere strictly to specifications, warning that substandard work would not be tolerated.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the Indigenous Contractors Association, Alhaji Maroof Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the state government for providing local contractors the opportunity to participate in the bid process. He pledged that members of the association would deliver quality jobs that meet the government’s expectations and serve the interests of the people.