In an effort to boost children’s enrollment in public schools and alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal by the federal government, the Niger State government has announced plans to offer free transportation for pupils in public schools. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago made this announcement during a meeting with officials from the National Examinations Council (NECO) led by its registrar and chief executive officer, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, at the Government House in Minna.
Governor Bago emphasized that providing free transportation for children at the basic education level would encourage school attendance and help mitigate the effects of subsidy removal. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between NECO and the state government to address challenges related to out-of-school children and girl-child education. Additionally, the governor suggested incorporating information and communication technology (ICT) into the education sector to further enhance its development.
Furthermore, Governor Bago recommended that NECO support vocational training in the education curriculum to equip students with skills for self-reliance. He urged the council to actively engage in corporate social responsibility initiatives within the state, such as sponsoring educational activities and providing mentoring and teaching support in classrooms.
During the meeting, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, the registrar and CEO of NECO, congratulated the governor on his electoral victory and successful inauguration. Prof. Wushishi expressed the council’s desire for increased collaboration with the state government, emphasizing the mutual benefits such collaboration would bring.