Nigerian Public Primary Schools in Decline Despite ₦54.9bn UBEC Funds

Public primary schools across Nigeria are deteriorating despite the availability of ₦54.9 billion in Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) funds that remain unutilized by state governments. This ongoing neglect has driven parents in numerous Nigerian cities to transfer their children from public to private schools due to dilapidated infrastructure, poor teaching quality, and the general lack of government investment.

While some state governments claim to prioritize public education, reports indicate that as of March 2024, approximately 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have failed to access the ₦54.9 billion in UBEC funds earmarked for basic education. These funds, designed to improve educational infrastructure and reduce the number of out-of-school children, remain idle. A document signed by UBEC’s Director of Finance and Account, Adamu Misau, confirmed that state-by-state matching grants totaling ₦54.9 billion have not been accessed.

The failure of state governments to contribute their share of counterpart funding to UBEC has significantly hampered the development of public schools. By March 2024, 26 states and the FCT had only lodged ₦32.5 billion with UBEC, a necessary step to access the annual disbursements from the Federal Government intended to enhance basic education nationwide.

Oluwadare Kolawole, Deputy Director of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), criticized state governments for their inaction, emphasizing that the unutilized UBEC funds were meant to provide essential infrastructure and pay teachers’ salaries. Kolawole, a governance advocate, underscored the foundational importance of primary education in shaping a nation’s socio-political and economic future.

Despite primary education being managed by the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), its funding is a joint responsibility of federal, state, and local governments. The current state of primary education, in comparison to the past when it was managed by missionaries with colonial government grants, indicates significant decline in both management and funding.

State-Specific Reports Highlight Disparities

Plateau State: Under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State has seen notable improvements in its public school system. The government has invested heavily in renovating and constructing classrooms, providing learning materials, and recruiting qualified teachers. These efforts have resulted in increased student enrollment and improved academic performance. The state’s commitment to education has also led to a reduction in the number of out-of-school children.

Delta State: Despite its oil wealth, Delta State’s primary schools are plagued by deteriorating infrastructure, a shortage of quality teachers, and an overall poor learning environment. This has led many parents to prefer private schools, as public schools have become less conducive to learning. Community efforts to improve conditions, such as providing chairs and desks, highlight the gaps in government support. The call for the state government to invest in modern teaching materials and facilities remains urgent.

Abia State: Public schools in Abia State are in a dire state, with many structures in disrepair, leading to a significant drop in student enrollment. The situation is so dire that criminal elements have taken over parts of some schools, turning them into unsafe environments for students and teachers. Governor Alex Otti has called for collective efforts to restore the state’s educational system, acknowledging the enormous task ahead and the need for external support.

Kogi State: In Kogi State, the public school system has received a boost, particularly in Lokoja, where schools have been renovated and free education initiatives have been introduced. The state government, under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, continues to prioritize education, with substantial budget allocations dedicated to improving school infrastructure and teacher quality.

Oyo State: Education sector in Oyo state has seen improvements under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, which has allocated about 21% of its budget to education. The government has sustained free education policies and completed numerous projects through the Oyo SUBEB. Despite these efforts, the state continues to face challenges due to years of neglect, with plans to build more model schools and renovate existing ones in underserved areas.

The Broader Challenge

Across Nigeria, the challenges facing public primary schools are compounded by the increasing population and the strain it places on educational infrastructure. A director of education in Lagos, speaking anonymously, argued that the current population makes it difficult for the government to fund public education as it did in previous decades. He emphasized that quality education comes at a cost and that relying solely on free education may not meet the quality standards parents expect.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with these issues, the unaccessed UBEC funds represent a significant missed opportunity to improve the nation’s educational landscape. Addressing the management and utilization of these funds is crucial for the future of Nigeria’s public primary schools.