The Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) has started the distribution of teaching and learning materials provided by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to schools.

The materials are for public and mission primary and junior secondary schools across the state.

Speaking at the inauguration of the exercise at the ASUBEB headquarters in Awka, Governor Chukwuma Soludo urged headteachers to ensure that the materials get to the targeted students for maximum impact.

Mr Soludo, represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Education, State House of Assembly, Anayo Okpaleke, commended teachers and headteachers for supporting the administration’s education agenda.

He said, “This distribution is in line with our administration’s promise to strengthen the weakest link in the public education system. The commitment is being achieved through the dedication of teachers across the state.”

In her remarks, Chairman ASUBEB, Dr Vera Nwadinobi, said the materials would enhance teaching and learning outcomes in schools.

Ms Nwadinobi said the materials would ensure that every Anambra child had access to essential tools for academic excellence and lifelong success.

She appreciated the governor for declaring free basic education with zero levies and for employing 8,115 qualified teachers.

“This interventions will reposition basic schools in the state for improved performance and global competitiveness,” she stated.

Also speaking, the UBEC South-East Director, Isaac Ichenwo, commended Mr Soludo for prioritising the basic education sector.

Mr Ichenwo said the materials were provided for direct use by students and warned that the books should not be kept in school libraries but equitably distributed to students for maximum benefit.

The materials distributed include 127,776 English and Mathematics textbooks, 44,100 exercise books and writing materials, as well as 3,675 pairs of sandals and 3,675 school bags to students.

(NAN)