By Able Daniel, Lafia

The Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr. Kassim Muhammad Kassim, has inaugurated a committee to investigate the alleged diversion of funds earmarked for agricultural entrepreneurship training in selected primary schools across the state.

The funds, which were disbursed in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, were intended to support training in chicken and rabbit rearing, among other agricultural skills, for pupils in 26 designated primary schools. Each school reportedly received N2 million to implement the programme.

However, Dr. Kassim disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed no evidence that the trainings were ever conducted. As a result, he appointed Fatima Shaibu Ahmed, a permanent member of the board, to head a committee charged with conducting a thorough probe into the matter.

Speaking during the training of 39 Desk Officers on Agricultural Education from various Local Government Areas, Dr. Kassim expressed dismay over the alleged misappropriation and vowed to pursue legal measures to recover any diverted funds.

He warned that his administration would not tolerate the misuse of public funds, especially those meant to empower pupils and enhance basic education.

In a related development, Dr. Kassim reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing the state’s primary education sector. He voiced concern over the deteriorating standard of education, citing instances where pupils could neither read nor write effectively.

To address the issue, the NSUBEB boss announced plans to reintroduce quiz competitions in primary schools as a tool to assess teaching effectiveness. He also warned against truancy among teachers and emphasized the importance of lesson planning and active classroom engagement.

Dr. Kassim urged teachers to show greater commitment to their duties, especially in light of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration’s efforts to improve their welfare. He highlighted recent reforms, including the end of percentage salary payments and the approval of the recruitment of 4,800 new teachers.

“These interventions are designed to restore the dignity of our teaching profession and ensure our pupils receive quality education,” Kassim stated.