A Bill to amend compulsory free basic education on Tuesday, scaled through second reading at the Senate.
The Bill, sponsored by Chairman, Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, seeks to amend section 11 (1a and 2) of the Principal Act.
It is calling for increase of Federal Government’s grant of not less than two per cent of Consolidated Revenue Fund to three per percent.
“It also seeks to reduce states’ commitment in the assistance of fund from 50 per cent to 10 per cent.
“The compulsory free and basic education 2004 Act was primarily enacted to provide free compulsory and universal basic education for every Nigerian child of primary and junior secondary school education.
Debating the bill, Wamakko said “the contribution of state governments to support the fund is 50 per cent. This 50-50 per cent is wrong.
“State governments are by no means close to Federal Government when it comes to resources. So, they cannot contribute 50 per cent.”
He added that the basic education system was significant but that some Nigerian children were not yet enrolled in schools and did not have access to basic education.
“Many of them are roaming the streets, subjected to child labour, abuse and molestation,” he said.
The lawmaker said that many states were battling to pay salaries, and that forcing them take bank loan to pay counterpart funding would put the states in a more difficult situation.
“Many states are not able to assess the grant; this means that they are not benefiting educationally from what accrues to UBEC,’’ he said.
He therefore called for more efforts to make primary and secondary education more vibrant and functional.
Contributing, Sen. Tijjani Kaura (APC-Zamfara) said that the Bill aimed to reduce the burden by state governments in terms of funding of primary and secondary education.
“So many states have found it difficult to raise the 50 per cent in order to access the fund.
“Whatever system of education this country seeks to pursue, a very sound foundation for secondary and primary education is essential.”
Other senators supported the motion.
In his remarks, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the amendment of the law was “very important’’.
“We are asking for Universal Basic Education, and if funds are not being accessed, then there is a problem,” he said.
He referred the matter to the Committee on Education and to report the senate in four weeks. (NAN)