The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has greenlit a substantial allocation of N30.9 billion for the extensive renovation of schools in the federal capital, according to Dr. Danlami Hayyo, the Mandate Secretary of the Education Secretariat, FCT Administration.
In a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Hayyo emphasized that the minister’s approval of these funds underscores the paramount importance he places on the education sector. Out of the allocated sum, N13.3 billion has been earmarked for the swift renovation and rehabilitation of 40 schools, with a commitment to completing the projects within 100 days.
An additional N13.1 billion has been approved for an accelerated whole-school rehabilitation approach, commencing with 18 schools. This approach aims to comprehensively revamp school infrastructure, including toilets, hostels, dining facilities, and the provision of furniture and water.
In the second phase of the whole-school rehabilitation initiative, N4.5 billion has been allocated for the renovation of four schools. The schools identified for this phase are Government Science Technical College Kwali, Government Science Technical College Maitama, Government Secondary School Kuje, and Government Secondary School Wuse II.
Dr. Hayyo assured that all projects would be completed before May 2024, aligning with the commissioning of the projects by President Bola Tunu to mark his one year in office. Commending the minister’s commitment to resolving issues, Dr. Hayyo highlighted Wike’s dedication to settling 40% of the N7 billion minimum wage arrears owed to primary school teachers by the six area councils. The remaining 60% will be covered by the area councils within the next three months, with deductions directly from their sources to ensure compliance.
Dr. Hayyo also voiced concerns over the state of neglect in the education sector by the previous administration, stating, “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.”
