Nigeria Removes Poverty Barrier to Education, Says Minister

During an oversight visit to the Government Girls College in Kano, Prof. Ahmad, the Minister of Education, stated that the Nigerian government has eliminated poverty as a barrier to education.

This initiative includes the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides loans to students in tertiary institutions. The minister emphasized that no student should miss school due to unpaid tuition, as stipends for daily subsistence and transport are provided.

Additionally, the government has introduced a free online skill acquisition program, monthly stipends, and starter packs to empower young people in tertiary education. Prof.

Ahmad inspected the school facilities and urged the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) to address lapses in classroom renovations and laboratory conditions within three weeks. The Kano State government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is also set to award contracts worth 24 billion Naira for the construction of 49 new schools and the renovation of 300 others.

The state has declared an education emergency for 2023 and aims to improve access to quality education for adolescent girls.