The Kwara State Government has officially scrapped the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) levy in all public primary schools across the state, replacing it with annual school grants designed to cover operational and maintenance costs.
The announcement was made by Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), during the opening of bids for the 2024 UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects (3rd and 4th quarters) held in Ilorin.
According to Prof. Adaramaja, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq approved the move to eliminate the PTA levy for all pupils from Primary 1 to Primary 6, ensuring that no child in Kwara public schools would be required to make additional payments.
“The Governor has approved the stoppage of PTA payments in all public primary schools across Kwara State — from Primary 1 to 6. There will be no more payment of PTA levies in Kwara State,” Prof. Adaramaja said.
In addition to the policy change, the government announced that free English and Mathematics textbooks would be distributed to pupils in all public primary schools as part of efforts to improve foundational learning.
Prof. Adaramaja outlined that the 2024 intervention projects will feature the construction of new classroom blocks with offices and toilets, renovation of existing structures, drilling of solar-powered boreholes, and rehabilitation of digital literacy centers. Other projects include the Safe Schools Initiative, distribution of two-seater pupils’ furniture, and provision of literacy materials for early learners.
He further revealed that Governor AbdulRazaq has approved the payment of the 2025 counterpart funds for UBEC/SUBEB projects, underscoring the administration’s continued investment in basic education.
Prof. Adaramaja warned contractors to adhere strictly to project specifications, emphasizing that the state government would not tolerate substandard work.
He also commended the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, and other stakeholders for their commitment to improving the quality of education in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the bidders, Maroof Ahmed, Secretary of the Indigenous Contractors Association, expressed appreciation to the state government for the opportunity and assured that all projects would be completed to high standards and on schedule.
