Thu Sep 19 08:26:02 UTC 2024: ## Niger State to Prioritize Education and Health in 2025 Budget
**Minna, Niger State** – The Niger State Government has announced plans to allocate over 50% of its 2025 budget to education and health, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving these vital sectors.
Governor Mohammed Bago, speaking at the symbolic distribution of kitchen utensils and classroom furniture to boarding schools in Minna, emphasized the importance of these sectors.
“About half of the 2025 budget will go to the Education and Health sectors,” stated the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman.
To further support education, the state has earmarked N1.8 billion as a matching grant to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), ensuring timely payment of counterpart funds for educational projects.
The government is also partnering with the World Bank’s Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) program to expand access to education for girls and renovate 534 schools across the state. Additionally, N1.512 billion has been allocated for the complete renovation and equipping of technical schools in Suleja, recognizing the importance of technical and vocational education.
Governor Bago highlighted the importance of providing quality education from the basic to the tertiary level. He commended the Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education and stakeholders for their efforts in revamping the education sector.
The distribution of kitchen utensils, which include water storage tanks, frying pans, grinding machines, and other essential equipment, aims to improve the quality of life for students in boarding schools. The state currently has 43 active boarding schools under the government’s direct feeding program, with the number expected to rise to 12,000 students in the upcoming academic year.
The government’s commitment to education and health is a positive step towards building a brighter future for the people of Niger State.
First Piper 