Subsidy Removal: Enugu Govt introduces free transport for students

Enugu State government has introduced free transport services for primary school pupils and secondary school students in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, who disclosed this at the end of the first meeting of the year of the State Executive Council, said the service will be provided by the government owned Coal City shuttle buses.

Ugwoke said that the buses’ services would operate in all parts of the state between half past six o’clock and eight o’clock to three o’clock in the afternoon. He however added that the buses will only pick up students in school uniform.

The commissioner explained that government’s decision in this direction was in line with the administration of Governor Chime’s resolve to improve quality of education and make commuting for students much easier, more convenient and affordable.

According to Ugwoke, the council’s meeting chaired by Governor Chime also approved the sum of over two hundred and thirty-eight million naira (N238,355,761.00) for the repair/renovation

and upgrading of infrastructure at the School of Health Technology Oji River and School of Public Health Nursery /Health Technology Nsukka.

He explained that out of the total amount, the sum of more than One hundred and twenty one million naira (N121,810,581.00) will cover construction of class rooms, administrative office, library, hostel

blocks, water boreholes and ICT centre at the Oji River while the remaining of over one hundred and sixteen million naira (N116,545,180.00) will be spent for the same project at the school of Public Health Nursing Nsukka through direct labour.

Ugwoke explained that the council approved that executive draft bills for laws to establish the two schools be sent to the State House of Assembly for its consideration and possible passage to give the schools the needed framework and statutory powers.

He stated that during the meeting, approval was given for the take off of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for Civil Servants in the state, adding that government had already paid the sum of more than two hundred and fifty seven million naira (N257,394,805.00) representing fifteen percent for the first quarter of this year in favour of civil servants in the state.