Nasarawa Assembly Advances Education and Water Bills

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has underscored its commitment to improving education and public infrastructure within the state. The Assembly received and reviewed the report on the Education Trust Fund Bill, aimed at enhancing educational standards and funding across Nasarawa State.

During the House proceedings in Lafia, Speaker Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau praised the House Committee on Education for its diligent work on the bill. The proposed Nasarawa State Education Trust Fund is designed to foster a high standard of education by providing essential resources, infrastructure, and support.

Key points of the bill include:

• Leadership Structure: The Education Trust Fund Board will be chaired by a retired educationist, while the Secretary will be a civil servant at least at the Director level.
• Funding Sources: The bill proposes allocating funds from confiscated assets of criminal activities to the trust fund and suggests a jail term for those found guilty of embezzling these funds.
• Financial Distribution: Proposed funding distribution includes 50% for tertiary institutions, 30% for secondary schools, and 20% for basic education. Capital projects are to receive 70% of the funds, with 30% allocated for training purposes.
• Adjustments: The bill has been amended to remove a 0.5% deduction from civil servants' salaries initially included. Instead, funding will come from a proposed 1-2% increase in company contract sums and a 1% reduction in salaries of political office holders.

Speaker Jatau announced that the bill will be deliberated further on September 10, 2024. The bill reflects the state’s ongoing effort to address educational challenges and ensure quality learning experiences for all students.

In related news, the Assembly also advanced a bill to amend the Nasarawa State Water Supply and Sanitation Law, 2023. This bill, which passed its first reading, aims to address issues related to water supply and sanitation in the state.

Speaker Jatau scheduled the second reading for September 11, 2024, following a motion by Majority Leader Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara and a second by Minority Leader Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba. The House's move to prioritize these bills reflects a comprehensive approach to tackling both educational and infrastructure challenges in Nasarawa State.