Why Kano suspended free education

Citing the dwindling fortunes plaguing the nation’s economy and requisite change in government policies, the Kano State government says it may not sustain the foreign scholarship scheme, which indigenes of the state benefitted.

About 3, 000 students from the state studied various disciplines abroad on the platform of the state’s foreign scholarship scheme.

Earlier on, the government had suspended the free education policy for Kano indigenes schooling in state-owned secondary and tertiary institutions. The free education policy initiated by the immediate past government was adjudged laudable and unprecedented in the annals of the state.

In an exclusive chat with The Guardian, the state Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr. Muhammad Garba, posited that as laudable as the foreign scholarship scheme was, the present economic realities make it difficult for the Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led administration to continue with it.

He was, however, quick to point out that the decision would not affect the interest of the more than 100 students who are currently enjoying the scheme.

“When you talk of foreign scholarship for our indigenes, government has been consistent in funding the programme even though the new policy of the Federal Government brings about some delays sometimes. But the governor has pledged to sustain the funding until those already in the system finish their studies. This means that no student would be sent abroad again on this platform.”

Shedding light on education, Garba said, “I’m sure you are aware this government has made it abundantly clear that free and compulsory education in primary is still very much on course. It is not only free but the concept and resolution of the state executive council on this issue was that it would be compulsory.

“We realised that if we don’t make primary education free it could affect the foundation of the students. That is the more reason government gave priority to quality education at the primary level. So in realisation of this, government has deem it fit to make it free and compulsory and we are committed to do so,” the commissioner stated.