The Kaduna State Government has released the sum of N116 million for the purchase of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) detecting equipment for the testing of returning students and pupils in private and public schools.

In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Education, Ibrahim Ali, said that already 13,000 teachers have been trained on prevention of the Ebola virus disease ahead of the September 22, resumption date for primary and post primary schools, while 10,000 thermometers have been purchased for onward distribution to private and primary schools across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

Ali, who stressed the need for preventive measures against the spread of the disease, urged participants to ensure strict compliance amongst staff and students.

He said N41 million was earmarked for the training, refreshment and transportation of the teachers, while N75 million was for the purchase of thermometers.

The commissioner said the state government would provide more fund to the education sector, disclosing that the state emerged third nationwide in the 2014 WAEC results.

“We expect to double the money we spend on teachers’ professional development. The magic is for one to train and retrain teachers every year so that they can be up-to-date.

“No matter how you put the structures in the schools, if you don’t have the teaching materials, text books and embark on regular training for teachers, you are not going to record any success.

“So, we are giving priority to the training of teachers so that they can impact more on students’ performance.”