The Kebbi State Government said it has increased expenditure for secondary schools’ feeding programme from N200 million to N350 million monthly.

The state Governor, Nasir Idris, made this known during a “thank-you” visit to Suru, Koko/Besse and Maiyama local government areas on Thursday.

He said, “This is designed to enhance the quality and quantity of meals to entice students to remain in school for serious studies. The incumbent administration places a premium on quality education to students to excel in all fields of learning. My administration has now made education free in Kebbi, as the government pays examination registration, tuition fees and scholarship for students in secondary and tertiary levels. This will encourage the pursuit of knowledge and lessen the burden of education expenditure on parents. Good meal is desirable, when students eat good food, they will stay and read.”

Mr Idris also informed the people his administration constructed 366 new schools and rehabilitated 1,816 others.

He said, “My administration has equipped all the schools with furniture, instructional materials, teaching and learning facilities. I am a professional teacher, I know the value of education, I am determined to improve and develop the sector to put Kebbi on the map of educational advancement at national and international levels.’’

On agriculture, he assured that the government would sustain the provision of free fertilizer and other inputs to farmers to increase yield.

He added, “I will launch irrigation farming with the provision of 30,000 solar and CNG-powered water pumping machines and free fertilizer in February. Furthermore, I will continue to procure and provide free grains to our people, while arrangements have been concluded to provide free feeding during the forthcoming Ramadan fast.”

(NAN)