Mohammed Bago, the governor of Niger State, has eliminated the Parents Teachers Association fees for guardians and parents of pupils enrolled in the state’s public elementary and secondary schools.
The governor emphasized that the expenses that parents had previously paid under the PTA would now be entirely covered by the state government.
The order was given by Governor Bago on Thursday while he was officially visiting Sarkin Pawa in the Munya Local Government Area to assess ongoing regional development initiatives.
He emphasized that any institution discovered to be collecting PTA dues from students will be subject to the proper consequences and cautioned school officials to follow this direction.
“This government has taken over the responsibility of PTA fees for all children in public schools in the state.
“Parents and guardians are no longer required to pay PTA fees for their children or wards.
“Headmasters and principals of public schools must cease collecting PTA fees from any student. My government will take action against anyone found in violation of this order.”
The governor also encouraged parents to enroll their children in school, especially the girls, in his remarks.
He advised that youngsters could attend school in their clothes if needed, emphasizing that the absence of a school uniform shouldn’t be a hindrance to study.
“Allow your children to go to school. School uniforms should not prevent any child from receiving an education. If any teacher sends your child home for not wearing a uniform, please report them. I will ensure they are dismissed,” Bago warned.
Governor Bago also promised to establish a modern market, provide clean drinking water for the area, and build a road connecting Sarkin Pawa to Kaduna State.
He was pleased with how the road project was proceeding and asked the contractor to make sure it was finished on schedule.
Both Peter Sankara and Barrister Moses Magaji, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, commended Bago’s accomplishments during his first year in office, describing his initiatives as impactful and people-centered.
Aminu Najumi, the chairman of the Munya Local Government Area, thanked the governor for his visit and emphasized the relative calm in the area, which is bolstered by a greater number of security guards to protect people and property.