Japan budgets N1.7bn to build 30 primary schools in Oyo

Japan has budgeted USD8.5m (approximately N1,691,500,000) for the construction of 30 Primary Schools in Oyo state, under its Japan's Grant Aid programme for 2014.

The project's Coordinator, Mr. Kazunori Ogaguchi, who revealed the plan at the tender opening ceremony of the project in Abuja, said the 30 schools are expected to have 225 classrooms.

Ogaguchi said the contract is expected to be completed within one year.

He added that the Japan's Grant Aid started working in Nigeria in 2004 with the aim of enhancing access to education for Nigerian pupils and has since executed various projects in Kano, Kaduna, Plateau and Niger states over the years.

The Japan International Cooperation System (JICS) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) represent Japan and Nigeria respectively in the project.

UBEC's project coordinator, Alhaji Iro Umar, said "thirteen million Nigerian children are out of school" and confirmed that JICS, through the program, had constructed 490 classrooms Kano.

“Between 2004 and 2008, JICS has constructed many classrooms in Kano, Kaduna, Plateau and Niger states," Umar said, adding that such assistance will help the government address the situation.