The Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Shehu Makarfi has revealed that the government is set to spend N1.6 billion on the provision of school uniforms to pupils and students in 2021. He made the disclosure in Kaduna, while briefing newsmen on the increase of tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions.

The commissioner who disclosed that more than N800 million was spent on school uniforms for pupils and students in some selected classes in 2020, said the amount would be increased to N1.6 billion in 2021 to cover all classes.

He further said that about N800 million was spent on feeding students in the 31 boarding schools in the state, adding that a total of N1.7 billion would be spent in 2021 following the resumption of full academic activities in schools after months of lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Makarfi said that in the past, parents were paying N7,500 for feeding their children in boarding schools before it was completely abolished in 2019.

The commissioner also commented on the proposed increment of tuition fees in the state-owned tertiary institutions, saying the decision was to reposition the schools to deliver quality skills and training to solve 21st-century challenges.