Public primary schools across Nigeria continue to suffer from neglect and dilapidation, despite a substantial N54.9 billion allocated by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) that remains unaccessed by state governments.
Parents are increasingly shifting their children to private schools due to deteriorating conditions, poor teaching quality, and overall neglect in public schools.
Reports indicate that by March 2024, 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had not utilized these funds, which are meant to enhance basic education infrastructure and quality.
UBEC’s document, signed by Director of Finance and Account Adamu Misau, highlights the unutilized sum, attributing the stagnation to states’ failure to contribute their matching funds.
Each state is required to provide 50% of the annual disbursement to access federal funds, but only N32.5 billion has been lodged with UBEC.
Oluwadare Kolawole of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) expressed concerns on Channels Television, noting that the lack of matching funds impedes the development of public schools and underscores the importance of proper fund management.
Primary education is crucial for laying the foundation for further education and national development.
The funding challenges mirror past issues when missionary and voluntary agencies managed primary education with support from colonial grants, contrasting sharply with the current state of Nigerian primary education.
Wahab Alayiwe-King, former executive chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), emphasized that while funding is critical, the management and effective use of funds are equally important.
The recent Supreme Court ruling on local government fiscal autonomy may provide a path for local councils to better manage and revamp primary education and healthcare in their jurisdictions.
