Nasarawa Mandates Education for School-Age Children, Imposes Fine on Erring Parents

Muhammed-Kassim emphasized that the state government is fully committed to achieving the objectives of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program, which seeks to eliminate illiteracy and promote inclusive learning for all children. He stated that under his leadership, the board will focus on improving the quality of education, enhancing infrastructure, and ensuring that teachers are well-trained and motivated to deliver effective instruction.

“We will work closely with community leaders, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure that every child has access to quality education,” he said. “Our goal is not just to get children into classrooms, but to provide a learning environment that empowers them to excel academically and become productive members of society.”

Muhammed-Kassim also highlighted plans to strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms within the state’s basic education system, adding that schools would be held accountable for student performance and the effective use of resources. He stressed that the board would prioritize transparency and accountability in the management of educational funds, ensuring that projects are executed to the highest standards.

The new chairman further pledged to engage with non-governmental organizations, donor agencies, and development partners to secure additional funding and technical support for the state’s educational programs.

Traditional rulers present at the event expressed their support for the new initiative, pledging to work closely with the board to ensure that parents in their communities comply with the compulsory education policy.

“Therefore, parents have no excuse not to send their children to school, as the board under my leadership is determined to reposition the basic education system of the state, the law stipulates that any parent or guardian who fails to send his or her child to school commit an offence and would be fined

“As such, sending your children to school is no longer a choice, but compulsory and failure to do so is an offence”

“Any parent who failed to send his child to school must be fine, education in Nasarawa must not only be free but compulsory, the issue of Almajiri will be squarely tackled.

“We will shift attention from SUBEB contracts to other areas that will also benefit the people of the state and staff of the board” he said

Governor Abdullahi Sule, who appointed Muhammed-Kassim as the NSUBEB chairman, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of education in driving socioeconomic development and reducing poverty in the state. His administration has invested significantly in the education sector, focusing on teacher training, infrastructure development, and digital learning initiatives.

Muhammed-Kassim concluded his remarks by urging parents to prioritize their children’s education, stating that the board would enforce the compulsory education policy rigorously and impose fines on defaulters as a last resort.

Governor Sule said, “Since our assumption of office in May 2019, we have continued to accord high premium to the education sector, particularly the basic education component.

“It is based on our belief that basic education is the foundation for an egalitarian society, hence the need to sustain our efforts towards repositioning of our primary and junior secondary schools for enhanced quality delivery of service.”