Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has launched the distribution of 73,364 free textbooks , sports kits, and other educational materials to primary and junior secondary school pupils across the state. The initiative underscores the government's commitment to improving learning outcomes and fostering holistic development among students.

During the flag-off ceremony on Thursday, the governor announced the multi-million-naira distribution of instructional resources, including:

73,364 textbooks in core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Computer Studies.
12,780 primary school assorted libraries.
100 special education materials for pupils with diverse learning needs.
260 sets of Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE) plastic chairs and tables.
3,931 sports equipment to promote physical activity.
344 sets of agricultural tools to support practical learning.
78 Maga Tab X tablets for digital literacy initiatives.

Governor AbdulRazaq stated that the distribution aligns with his administration's vision to prioritise education quality, accessibility, and inclusivity. He reiterated the state's dedication to providing learners with the tools necessary to excel academically and beyond.

The Governor said the programme is another in the series of interventions by the administration that reflects its higher priority and commitment to basic education in the state.

“It is the administration's belief that the menace of out-of-school children will be a thing of the past, because of its high sensitivity and commitment to education development in the state,” the Governor said through the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa'adatu Modibbo Kawu, who represented him.

AbdulRazaq said the free distribution of textbooks was basically to lessen the burden on the parents amid the high cost of instructional materials in the markets.

He cited the regular recruitments of teachers and their promotion as and when due, as well as the upgrading of school infrastructures among other interventions of the administration to turn around the sector.

He praised the officials of the UBEC and other key stakeholders for their regular support and and commitment to the project,

Chairman, Kwara House Committee on Education, Hon Muhammed Boriya Salihu, described the event as another historic moment in the development of basic education in the state, commending the Governor for consistently investing in the sector.

“With this and many other developmental projects, it is obvious that the state has moved from the ugly past of yesteryears, and a lot of gaps have been filled in several sectors,” Boriya said.

SUBEB Chairman, Prof Sheu Raheem Adaramaja, for his part, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for the unwavering commitment of the administration to improving basic education in the state.

He said the distribution of the materials and sporting kits will provide quality education and promote holistic development in the school children.

“These materials will undoubtedly enhance the standard of education and sports activities in our basic schools, bringing relief to parents and pupils/students across the state,” he said.

“We firmly believe that education is the bedrock of any development. Our goal is to build our children into worthy future leaders who will drive positive change in our state and beyond.”

Also in attendance were Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor, Alhaji Saadu Salau; Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Hon Aliyu Kora Sabi; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Mrs Bake Olarewaju; APC Chieftain, Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin; Senior Special Assistant on Religion (Islam), Alhaji Ibrahim Danmeigoro; Chairman, Kwara State Sport Commission, Coach Bola Magaji; Local Government Education Secretaries; traditional chiefs; and President, All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPS), Alhaji Muhammed Baba Saliu; among other dignitaries.