Fuel Debt Claims False, Girls’ School Buses to Resume Fully — Kano Education Commissioner
Kano State Commissioner for Education, Dr Ali Haruna Makoda, has refuted allegations that the state government owes fuel stations, a situation reportedly blamed for the disruption of buses under the girls’ education transport initiative.
The clarification comes amid growing concern over the sharp reduction in the number of operational buses supporting girls’ access to schools across the state.
Earlier reports had alleged that unpaid debts forced fuel suppliers to halt diesel supply, leading to the decline in bus operations and affecting timely school attendance for many girls
In an interview with Aminci Radio However, Makoda dismissed the claims , insisting that there is no dispute between the government and fuel stations.
“We have no problem whatsoever with the fuel stations providing fuel for the buses,” he said.
He explained that the government follows a structured payment process, where station managers submit claims which are then processed and settled accordingly.
“Whenever the managers submit their claims, we process the payments and government pays them,” he added.
The Commissioner further revealed that payments had recently been made, assuring that the situation would normalized immediately.
“Even today, some payments have been made for fuel. By tomorrow, you can testify that the buses will continue working to transport the girls to their school,” he stated.
Makoda emphasized that the initiative remains a key component of the Kano state government’s effort to improve girls’ enrollment and retention in schools.
The girls’ transport initiative is particularly vital for children from poor and vulnerable families, as it reduces the burden of transportation costs, improves safety, and ensures regular school attendance, thereby helping to prevent absenteeism and dropouts among girls who might otherwise struggle to access education.
He noted that ensuring consistent transportation is critical to reducing barriers that often prevent girls from accessing education, particularly in underserved communities.
The allegations had earlier raised fears that the disruption could increase lateness and contribute to school dropouts among beneficiaries of the programme.
Pulse Time Nigeria reports that the commissioner highlighted government commitment towards development of girls child education in the state .
By Ayeeshat J. Ahmad