The Sokoto State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed a bill for the right to free and compulsory basic education to all children in the state.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this followed a motion moved by the House Leader, Alhaji Garba Bello (APC- Yabo).
NAN also reports that the motion followed the consideration of a report by the Assembly’s Committee on Education, presented by its Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Bala (APC- Bodinga South).
Bala said that after due consultation with all stakeholders, it was resolved the bill should imply that all children from the ages of six to eighteen have the right to free education.
“That the bill makes provision for right to education for children of six to eighteen; by implication, it means free education up to Senior Secondary level.
“Moreso, children within the age bracket must attend school and failure to do so will attract sanctions.
“However, in the course of discussion with the stakeholders, the committee was assured of a strategic plan by the government to source the funds that will adequately finance the implementation of the bill,” he said.
The Chairman added that the bill sought to make provision to institutionalize the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), as one of the major features of the bill.
Bala also said that the committee had recommended that the bill shoul make provision for the creation of a ministry charged with the responsibility for basic education, to serve as the implementing ministry.
He then called on his colleagues to consider the bill, as it had a great impact to the growth and development of the state.
After the members unanimously accepted the motion in a vote, the Speaker, Alhaji Salihu Maidaji, said the recommendations of the committee had been considered and remained part of the report.
“As such, the bill for a law to provide for the right to free and compulsory basic education to all children in Sokoto State, is accordingly read the third term and passed,” he said.
In another development, the Assembly has called on the state government to consider the construction of a 30km road linking several villages in Tureta Local Government area.
NAN reports that this followed a motion moved by Alhaji Abdullahi Randa (APC- Tureta), and seconded by Alhaji Mohammad Bashir (APC- Shagari).
Randa said that the road, if constructed, would link several villages with the local government headquarters.
He saidthe road would also further boost the socio-economic activities of the people in the area. (NAN)
MNB/BRM/ASH