Kwara Government distributes free books, sporting gear to public schools

Friday, February 28, 2025 - The Kwara State government on Thursday flagged off the distribution of 73,364 textbooks and sporting kits to public pupils across the state.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who launched the distribution of the multimillion-naira instructional materials and sports kits for pupils of primary and junior secondary schools, reiterated the state government’s commitment to basic education.

Items distributed included 73,365 textbooks in English, Mathematics, Computer Studies, and other core subjects; 12,780 assorted primary school library books; 100 pieces of special education materials; 260 sets of Early Childhood Care, Development and Education plastic chairs and tables; 3,931 sports equipment items; 344 sets of agricultural tools; and 78 Maga Tab X tablets.

The governor said the programme was one of a series of interventions by his administration that reflect its prioritisation of and commitment to basic education.

Speaking through the state Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, the governor said: “It is the administration’s belief that the menace of out-of-school children will soon be a thing of the past, given its sensitivity to and commitment to educational development in the state.”

Governor AbdulRazaq stated that the free distribution of textbooks was intended to ease the financial burden on parents amid the rising cost of instructional materials in the market.

He cited the regular recruitment and promotion of teachers, as well as the upgrading of school infrastructure, among other interventions aimed at transforming the education sector.

The governor praised officials of UBEC and other key stakeholders for their continued support and commitment to the project.

The chairman of the Kwara House Committee on Education Muhammed Boriya Salihu described the event as another historic moment in the development of basic education in the state and commended the governor for consistently investing in the sector.

“With this and many other developmental projects, it is clear that the state has moved on from the dark days of the past, and significant gaps have been filled across several sectors,” Boriya said.

SUBEB chairman Prof. Sheu Raheem Adaramaja also commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving basic education in the state.

He stated that the distribution of materials and sporting kits would enhance the quality of education and promote the holistic development of schoolchildren.

“These materials will undoubtedly raise the standard of education and sports activities in our basic schools, bringing relief to parents and pupils across the state.

“We firmly believe that education is the bedrock of development. Our goal is to build our children into future leaders who will drive positive change in our state and beyond,” he added.