Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has approved a monthly allowance of N200,000 for secondary school principals in the state to assist with the maintenance of school infrastructure. The new policy is aimed at addressing immediate repair needs, allowing schools to fix minor damages without having to go through the often-lengthy government approval process.
This decision comes as part of a broader effort to improve the quality of education and facilities in Sokoto’s secondary schools. By providing principals with the financial resources to manage minor repairs, the government hopes to ensure that the schools remain functional and conducive to learning. The allowance is expected to cover all 23 local government areas of the state.
Governor Aliyu’s move follows a recommendation from the former Deputy Governor, Chiso Abdullahi, who had earlier appealed to the state government for a more efficient means of funding school maintenance. Abdullahi highlighted that with the allocated funds, schools would be able to hire workers to carry out necessary repairs, improving the overall condition of the facilities.
Abubakar Bawa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aliyu, confirmed the approval of the N200,000 monthly allowance for each secondary school, which will take effect in January 2025. The funds will be distributed to schools across the state, empowering school principals to address repairs promptly without waiting for a formal approval process from the state government.
Governor Aliyu’s decision is seen as a positive step in addressing the backlog of maintenance issues in public schools, which have often been left unresolved due to bureaucratic delays. The allowance is expected to alleviate some of the pressures faced by school administrators and improve the learning environment for students.
In addition to the school maintenance allowance, Governor Aliyu also directed the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Dadi Adare, to review the allowances of traditional rulers in the state.
