The gubernatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress in Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, has promised to ensure that political appointees and top civil servants enrol their children in public schools if elected governor.
Mr. El-Rufai, who promised to revamp public schools in Kaduna state, gave the assurance Monday while speaking as guest of Freedom Radio’s Hausa phone-in programme, ‘’Barka da War haka.’’
The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, said ‘’the most critical step is for leaders like us to enrol our children into public schools.’’
Mr. El Rufai recalled that he attended Local Education Authority Primary School Kawo, Kaduna, in the 60s along with children of elites like the late the then Minister of Education of Northern Region, Isa Kaita.
‘’So, if children of elites are in public schools, they will be forced to do all that is necessary to improve them, out of enlightened self-interest,’’ the governorship candidate argued.
The former Minister admitted that the law does not allow him force anyone to embrace this policy but promised to lead by example by putting his children into public schools.
The governorship candidate assured that his government will put teachers on a special salary scale which will be higher than that of other civil servants because he thinks this is the first step towards improving the education sector.
‘’The second step towards improving education in Kaduna state will be the upgrading of infrastructure and generally providing a conducive atmosphere for learning,’’ he added.
Mr. El -Rufai said that education will be at Primary to Junior Secondary School levels in Kaduna state, adding there will be no fees charged for the Parents Teachers Association.
The ex-Minister also said that students of Senior Secondary Schools will be in boarding house. He said there is need for this category of students to learn together instead of being distracted by video games and television at home.
The gubernatorial candidate said he does not promise that boarding schools will be free because he is not sure the financial status of Kaduna state can accommodate it, given what he termed the profligacy of the present administration.
Very interesting. But considering the antecedent of our leaders I doubt if he will send his children to public schools.