Abuja:The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Executive Council has sanctioned two significant contracts to procure and distribute examination materials to all public primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools throughout the territory.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, revealed these decisions following a meeting of the FCTA Executive Council chaired by FCT Minister Mr. Nyesom Wike. The contracts aim to facilitate smooth and effective examination administration across various educational levels in the FCT.
Hayyo noted that the necessity for procurement arose due to a notable increase in public school enrolment, driven by the extensive renovation and upgrades made by the current administration. These improvements have prompted many parents to transfer their children from private to public schools in the FCT.
He emphasized that the transformation of public schools, with refurbished facilities and enhanced learning environments, has restored public confidence in the education system. The improved conditions mean inadequate infrastructure can no longer be blamed for poor academic performance in FCT public schools.
However, Hayyo pointed out that students’ academic performance is influenced by various factors, including conducive learning environments, teacher motivation, and staff welfare. He attributed recent declines in performance primarily to industrial actions by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), rather than school infrastructure deficiencies.
Additionally, Hayyo highlighted that the welfare and payment of primary school teachers fall under the area councils’ jurisdiction. Minister Wike has intervened, committing the FCTA to cover 40 percent of outstanding teacher entitlements, while area councils will cover the remaining 60 percent. The administration also releases N2 billion monthly to settle arrears owed to area council teachers.
These initiatives, alongside improved infrastructure and examination materials, are expected to bolster the FCT’s education system.