Date Published: 09/03/09

Dear Sir, Editor;

Re: Universal Basic Education Programme

Education is the key to progress. I was happy listening to NTA (Weekend File) on Saturday August 29, 2009, which dwelt on the progress recorded by various States in the federation as concerned compulsory and free education. I was proud when it was mentioned that my State (Akwa Ibom) government commits N7billion annually in its education programme, lifting the compulsory and free education from JSS.3 it was with the previous administration, to SSS.3.

The issue now is that the government should ensure that no part of the money being committed to the programme is misappropriated by those kept to oversee it. There should be proper monitoring. The government should also plan additions to the nine edifices called residential modern secondary schools built by the previous administration, which was evenly located in the three senatorial districts of the state. We need more of such standard.

Obong Steve Udeme, 189 Bende Street, Umuahia-Abia State