On Wednesday, the Kwara House of Assembly in Ilorin received the 2023 Revised Supplementary Budget of N239 billion from Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for consideration and approval.
The speaker, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, gave a breakdown of the supplementary estimate while reading the governor’s message during plenary to the members.
He said the N239 billion estimate, as against the earlier estimate of N188.8 billion, represents a 27 per cent increase.
The revised budget was laid before the assembly by the house leader, Abdulkadir Magaji (APC-Ilorin Central), for further legislative action to be taken on Thursday.
In another development, the house has urged the state government to make possible the part payment of tuition by students in state-owned tertiary education institutions.
It called on the government to direct relevant authorities to collaborate with the management bodies of these institutions to put in place modalities to accept part payment of school fees.
This became part of the house resolutions following a matter of general public importance moved by Halidu Danbaba (APC-Kaiama/Kemanji/Wojibe).
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The house said this should be regarded as a palliative measure to cushion the effect of the petrol subsidy removal.
“The development has adverse effects on the ability of families to afford school fees and has potentially negative consequences for the education sector.
“Things must be done to change the tide,” Mr. Danbaba said in his argument supporting the motion.
In his contribution, the house leader said owners set up private schools to make a profit; hence, the government can only influence the public schools directly.
Other members who spoke on the matter said the government needed to implement a policy that would eliminate financial strength and increase enrollment in private and public schools.
While reading out the resolutions, the speaker urged the state governor to consider increasing the subvention being received by state-owned tertiary education institutions.
“The management of state-owned tertiary education institutions should also employ open and transparent communication with parents and guardians regarding the availability of flexible payment options in their schools.
”This is in order to ensure that families are aware of the support mechanisms available to them,” the legislative body said.
(NAN)
