Nigerian state introduces free transport for all school children

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

By Emma Ugwueze, "The Moment" - independent Nigerian newspaper 23 Jan 2012.

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

This is part of the palliatives the government has rolled out to cushion the effect of the increase in the pump price of petrol,

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

According to Mr. Ugwoke, the bus services would operate in all parts of the state between half past six in the morning and to three in the afternoon.

He however added that the buses would only pick up students in school uniforms.

The Commissioner explained that government’s decision 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.

He added that the governor has also approved over N238,355,761.00 (two hundred and thirty-eight million Naira) for the renovation and upgrading of infrastructure at the School of Health Technology, Oji River, and School of Public Health Nursing/Health Technology, Nsukka.

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 over one hundred and sixteen million Naira (N116,545,180.00) would be spent for the same project at the school of Public Health Nursing, Nsukka through direct labour.

[Egunu State pop: nearly 6 million]