PDP raises alarm over N19.18bn unspent education funds in Benue

The Peoples Democratic Party in Benue State is worried about the bad state of public schools. This is despite the N19.18bn in unspent funds meant for the State Universal Basic Education Board.

Last week, The PUNCH reported that the Universal Basic Education Commission said Benue has the highest unspent education funds among all states, totaling N19.18bn.

The opposition party criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration for not using the funds. They highlighted the urgent need to improve school buildings and learning conditions across the state.

In a statement released on Sunday by the party's Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, the PDP said this situation shows a serious failure by the government. They claimed the government is out of touch with the real issues facing ordinary people.

The statement said, “At a time when children in other states are learning in upgraded school facilities, following the unprecedented resources available to the governments of their states as a result of fuel subsidy removal, the discovery that billions of naira earmarked for basic education in Benue State have remained unspent is nothing short of scandalous.”

The PDP demanded that the state government explain how the UBEC intervention funds were used. They want to know why the funds have not been spent on time.

The party also asked the government to list the specific projects that were approved for the funds. They want to know what progress has been made and if the government has provided the necessary counterpart funding to access these funds.

Furthermore, the PDP is calling for clarity on where the N19.18bn has gone. They want to ensure that every naira is accounted for and used for its intended purpose.

They questioned why public schools in the state remain in poor shape when there are substantial education funds available.

The party urged the state government to make a clear report of all UBEC funds received since Governor Alia took office. This should include counterpart contributions, approved projects, contracts awarded, payments made, and any outstanding balances.

“Governor Alia must understand that public funds are not political trophies to be displayed in government accounts.

“They are resources entrusted to government for the benefit of the people. Money appropriated for the education of Benue children must be put to work to ensure that Benue children have access to quality education,” the statement added.