The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to provide an explanation for the non-utilization of N19.18 billion in Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) intervention funds. According to the PDP, this amount, reportedly the highest among the 36 states, was revealed in UBEC's 2025 Annual Report. The party described this as a major indictment of the Alia administration.
The PDP stated that public schools across Benue State are struggling with poor infrastructure and inadequate learning facilities, making it unacceptable that such a substantial education fund remains unutilized. The party accused the Alia administration of failing to match its public commitment to education with concrete action. They emphasized that the welfare and future of school children should not be sacrificed due to administrative delays or poor management.
The PDP demanded explanations on several key issues, including when the various tranches of funds were released, why they had not been utilized, what projects were approved, and whether the state government had fulfilled the required counterpart funding obligations. The party also requested a comprehensive breakdown of all UBEC funds received since the inception of the Alia administration.
The opposition party warned that the continued non-utilization of funds intended to improve basic education would have serious consequences for thousands of Benue children. They argued that every delay meant another lost opportunity to provide them with a decent learning environment. The PDP insisted that Governor Alia must account for the funds, stressing that public resources allocated for education were investments meant to secure the future of the state's children.
According to the PDP, the funds were earmarked for the education of Benue children, and it was alarming that they had been left idle despite the urgent need to rehabilitate public schools. The party demanded to know the present status of the N19.18 billion and what measures had been taken to ensure that the money was properly accounted for and deployed.
The PDP's State Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, issued a statement on Friday, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the management of UBEC funds. The party's demands come as a wake-up call for the Alia administration to prioritize education and provide a better learning environment for Benue children.
The issue has sparked concerns about the management of public funds allocated for education in Benue State. The PDP's challenge to Governor Alia has highlighted the need for effective utilization of resources to improve the quality of education in the state. The government's response to the PDP's demands is awaited.
Key points
- The PDP demands explanation for the non-utilization of N19.18 billion in UBEC funds.
- The party accuses the Alia administration of failing to prioritize education despite public commitments.
- The PDP warns of serious consequences for Benue children if the funds are not utilized.
