Niger State government has expended the sum of N109 million to enhance the feeding arrangements for students in boarding schools during the forthcoming Ramadan.
The commissioner for basic and secondary education, Dr Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, disclosed this when she distributed 20 grinding machines and food items with improved quality and quantity to 43 boarding schools in the state.
The commissioner said the special food items were to ensure improved quality and quantity for Ramadan meals, aimed at meeting the nutritional needs of students during the holy month.
She further stated that the 20 grinding machines distributed to 20 schools out of 43 for the first batch will enable them to process food items effectively and enhance the preparation of meals for students observing the fast.
She said N109 million was expended for the purchase of the food items and the cost was high due to the spike in prices of food items.
The commissioner said the gesture has shown the state government’s commitment under the leadership of Governor Umaru Mohammad Bago to prioritizing the wellbeing of students, most especially during Ramadan.
Mohammed expressed optimism that the effort will contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling educational experience for students in boarding schools across the state.
She however appealed to the principals of the schools who are the managers of schools to help in giving the foods to the students and also monitor closely the activities of cooks in their various schools not to divert the foods to their homes.
In her remarks, the chairperson, Committee on Schools Feeding, who is also the director general, Schools and Educational Reforms, Hajiya Maimuna Mohammad, affirmed that the time table for the meals was also sent to the schools in order to ensure a balanced diet.
