By Opeyemi Adeoti
The Kwara State House of Assembly has called on the government to direct relevant authorities to collaborate with management of tertiary institutions in the state to put in place modalities to accept part payment of school fees.
This was part of the resolutions of the House following a Matter of General Public Importance on the Need to implore Management of state owned tertiary institutions to introduce flexibility in payment of school fees as a palliative measure to cushion the effect of petrol subsidy removal” moved by member representing Kaiama/Kemanji/Wojibe Constituency, Hon. Halidu Danbaba.
The Matter of General Public Importance was seconded by the Chief Whip of the Assembly and member representing Ekiti Constituency, Hon Abolarin Ganiyu Gabriel.
Hon. Danbaba in his argument said it is worrisome that the removal of petrol subsidy has led to a significant increase in petrol prices with the effect cut across various sectors of the economy in which education is not left out.
The lawmaker noted that the development has adverse effect on the ability of families to afford school fees and the potential negative consequences on the education sector, saying things must be done to change the tides.
In his contribution, the House Leader and member representing Magaji/Ngeri Constituency, Hon. Oba Abdukuadir Magaji opined that the private schools were set up by owners to make profit and the government can only influence the public schools directly while private ones require some levels of diplomacy.
Other lawmakers who spoke on the matter urged the government to put up policy that will eliminate financial strength and increase enrollment in both private and public schools.
They agreed that subsidy is good for the economy but no common man benefits from it, adding that supporting the general public importance, will go a long way in assisting the parents and guardians in paying school fees if their wards.
While reading the resolutions, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Yakubu Salihu Danladi charged the Governor to consider an increment in the subventions payable to state owned tertiary institutions and ensure prompt release of same to them.
The House also appreciates the governor for prioritizing the well-being of Kwarans with the provisions of palliative measures to cushioning the impact of fuel subsidy removal in the state.
It called on the government to direct the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development and Ministry of Tertiary Education to collaborate with management of tertiary institutions in the state to put in place modality to accept part payment of school fees.
The House as well called on the management of state owned tertiary institutions to employ open and transparent communication with parents and guardians regarding the availability of flexible payment options in their schools in order to ensure that families are aware of the support mechanisms available to them.