The governor of Taraba State, Mr Agbu Kefas on Friday declared free education in all state government primary and secondary schools with effect from next academic session.
The decision was taken according to the governor to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy.
He made the declaration while on the assessment tour of primary and secondary schools in Wukari, his home town.
According to him, starting from the next academic session, primary and secondary education in Taraba would be free.
The governor also noted that his administration would immediately embark on massive renovation of most of the schools to enable them to meet the demands of the modern day education.
Mr Kefas had recently declared a state of emergency on primary and secondary education and slashed the school fees of Taraba University and that of College of Nursing and Midwifery by 50 per cent.
“Let me announce to you that by next academic session, the state government will take responsibility of the school fees and all of you will attend school free of charge.
“We will continue to support you to have access to qualitative education for brighter future of our state,” he said.
Daniel Nuhu, a Zonal Director of Education, lauded Governor Kefas for making out time to personally assess the condition of public schools in the state.
Mr Nuhu noted that the free education and renovation of primary and secondary schools would go a long way in turning around the fortunes of the less privileged in the state by granting them equal access to quality education.
