The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike has approved N30.9 billion for massive school rehabilitation projects in the federal capital.
Dr Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCT Administration, stated this at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Hayyo, the gesture is a testament to the priority the minister placed on the education sector.
He said that out of the fund, N13.3 billion was approved for the renovation and rehabilitation of 40 schools, which would be completed in 100 days.
The mandate secretary said that N13.1 billion was also provided for an accelerated whole-school rehabilitation approach, beginning with 18 schools.
Hayyo said the school rehabilitation approach was designed to rehabilitate the entire school infrastructure and facilities including toilets, hostels, dining as well as provision of furniture and water.
He further said that four schools would also be renovated in the second batch of the whole-school rehabilitation approach at the cost of N4.5 billion.
He listed the schools to include Government Science Technical College, Kwali; Government Science Technical College, Maitama; Government Secondary School, Kuje and Government Secondary School, Wuse II.
According to him, the projects are expected to be completed before May 2024, adding that it would be part of the project that would be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu to mark his one year in office.
The mandate secretary also commended the minister for addressing the lingering crisis between primary school teachers and the Area Council Secretariat.
He explained that the minister has committed to settle 40 per cent of the N7 billion minimum wage arrears owed the primary school teacher by the six area councils.
Hayyo further said the area councils would settle the remaining 60 per cent of the amount, which would be paid within the next three months.
He said that the amount to be paid by the area councils would be deducted from source to ensure compliance.
Hayyo, who assured that all necessary procurement procedures would be followed, complained that the renovations were massive because the previous administration did not do much in the sector.
“The previous administration neglected the education sector. No meaningful intervention by the previous administration in the education sector of the FCT.
“That is why the huge work is going to be done by the current administration. That is why the minister took education as a serious matter and earmarked about N30 billion,” he said. (NAN)
