The Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State has expressed concern over the deplorable condition of public schools in the state despite the reported N19.18bn in unspent intervention funds allocated to the State Universal Basic Education Board. This development has been described as an indictment of the government, which has consistently demonstrated a disconnect between its public pronouncements and the realities confronting ordinary residents. The party's criticism comes as children in other states are learning in upgraded school facilities following the unprecedented resources available to their state governments.
According to a report by The PUNCH, the Universal Basic Education Commission disclosed that Benue State had the highest amount of unspent education intervention funds among states, totalling N19.18bn. The opposition party demanded that the state government explain the various tranches of UBEC intervention funds released to it and why they had not been utilised within the appropriate period. The PDP also asked the government to disclose the specific projects approved for the funds and the progress made towards their implementation.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Bright Antyo, the PDP described the situation as scandalous, especially at a time when other states are upgrading their school facilities. The party questioned why public schools across the state remained in poor condition despite the availability of substantial education intervention funds. The PDP further demanded an explanation of the whereabouts of the N19.18bn and the measures put in place to ensure that every naira was accounted for and deployed for its intended purpose.
The PDP called on the state government to publish a comprehensive breakdown of all UBEC funds received since the inception of the Governor Hyacinth Alia administration, including counterpart contributions, approved projects, contracts awarded, payments made and outstanding balances. The party emphasized that public funds are not political trophies to be displayed in government accounts but resources entrusted to government for the benefit of the people.
Governor Alia's administration has been criticized for failing to access the funds despite the urgent need to improve public school infrastructure and learning conditions across the state. The PDP stated that money appropriated for the education of Benue children must be put to work to ensure that Benue children have access to quality education. The party's demands come as stakeholders continue to hail efforts to support education in other parts of the country.
The issue of unspent education funds in Benue State has raised concerns about the management of resources and the prioritization of education in the state. The PDP's criticism is a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. The party's demands for a comprehensive breakdown of UBEC funds received by the state government are aimed at ensuring that the funds are used for their intended purpose.
The Benue State government has yet to respond to the PDP's demands, but the issue is likely to continue to generate debate and concern among stakeholders in the state's education sector. The PDP's call for transparency and accountability in the management of education funds is a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing education and ensuring that resources are used effectively to improve learning conditions and outcomes in the state.
Key points
- The PDP criticized the Benue state government for failing to access N19.18bn in unspent education intervention funds.
- The party demanded a comprehensive breakdown of all UBEC funds received by the state government.
- The PDP emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
