The Kwara State Government has officially approved a N20 billion special intervention fund aimed at closing gaps in school infrastructure across the state. This major investment is part of ongoing efforts to upgrade educational facilities and improve learning outcomes for students in both urban and rural communities.
The approval was announced by Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, in a statement issued in Ilorin on Monday. The funds will be incorporated into the state’s supplementary budget, pending final legislative approval.
According to Olohungbebe, the new N20 billion allocation builds on years of educational reform since Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq assumed office. The administration had earlier restructured Kwara’s engagement with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), which allowed for more effective infrastructure planning and partnerships.
“His Excellency has instructed that we dedicate another N20 billion to school infrastructural upgrades. The process has already started, and designs are being made,” Olohungbebe said.
“Between 2019 and now, the administration has worked on over 1,254 classrooms and several other interventions.”
Despite this progress, the commissioner acknowledged that significant infrastructure deficits still exist in many public schools across the state. The new allocation is designed to accelerate construction of classrooms, laboratories, and sanitation facilities, ensuring safer and more conducive learning environments.
What the Intervention Will Cover:
- Upgraded classrooms across all senatorial zones
- Fully equipped laboratories for science and technical subjects
- Improved sanitation and hygiene infrastructure
- Rural and urban school development
- Additional support to SUBEB and UBEC projects
Olohungbebe also emphasized that Kwara remains one of the few states to have successfully implemented UBEC intervention projects dating back to 2014, crediting Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration for that milestone.
This infrastructure push comes just months after Governor AbdulRazaq approved the recruitment of 2,100 new personnel for senior secondary schools in January 2025. This included:
- 1,800 qualified teachers
- 100 administrative and non-teaching staff
- 200 security personnel
The recruitment effort was targeted at addressing shortages in rural schools and improving safety and quality in the education sector. Following the governor’s approval, the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) screened 9,459 applicants for a Computer-Based Test (CBT) as part of the selection process.
What This Means for Kwara Students:
This multi-pronged educational initiative reflects a broader vision by the AbdulRazaq-led government to transform Kwara into a hub of academic excellence. With both infrastructure upgrades and human capital investments, the future of education in the state looks promising.
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