The Ekiti State Government has announced that 203 public schools will receive a $25 million school improvement grant (SIG) from the World Bank.
According to the State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the grant will be used to construct new school buildings, renovate existing ones, and install perimeter fencing.
Additionally, part of the funds will be utilized to purchase equipment and materials to benefit all students, including those with disabilities. This initiative aims to improve the learning environment and provide inclusive education for all students in the state.
“There is the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills Project, which is also back by the World Bank to enhance the capacity of the skills development system in order to produce relevant skills for the formal and informal sectors without leaving out PLWDs,” he said.
“In fact, there is no public school in the state that has not been substantially touched by government’s developmental efforts without bias to the enrollment of PLWDs.”
Olatunbosun said out of the fund, N546.9 million was used to pay for the senior school certificate examination (SSCE) for 16,269 students.
“Government also paid N546.9million WAEC/SSCE fees for 16,269 SS3 students in public schools for this year making all SS3 students in public schools beneficiaries, including people living with disabilities,” he added.
The commissioner also appealed to residents to support the efforts of the state government in making life more meaningful for all the PLWDs.