Education is the bedrock of any society seeking progress and development. The recent move by 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to deposit N32.5 billion as counterpart funds for basic education is commendable. However, this action raises critical questions about the commitment of our leaders to the future of our children.
The willingness of these states to match the Federal Government’s disbursement through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is a positive sign. It shows readiness to invest in the infrastructure, training, and resources needed to uplift the standard of education. This investment is not just in schools but in the promise of a brighter future for millions of Nigerian children.
Despite this progress, the fact that some states have failed to access available funds is disheartening. It reflects a lack of urgency and possibly a misplacement of priorities. States like Ogun, which has not accessed N4.2 billion from 2020 to 2023, are denying their youth the quality education they deserve. This inaction is a disservice to the potential of our nation’s most valuable resource its young minds.
The lawsuit filed by Mrs. Funmi Falana (SAN) is a wake-up call. It is a reminder that the government’s duty to provide free basic education is not just a policy but a legal obligation. The failure to access UBEC funds is not merely an administrative lapse; it is a violation of the rights of Nigerian children.
The deposit of N32.5 billion is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. We must demand accountability and transparency in how these funds are utilized. We must ensure that every naira is spent towards creating an environment where learning is not just possible but enjoyable and enriching.
As citizens, we must hold our leaders accountable. We must advocate for policies that prioritize education and ensure that every child, regardless of their state, has access to the basic education they are entitled to. It is only through education that we can truly empower the next generation to lead Nigeria towards a prosperous future.
While we celebrate the steps taken by these 26 states and the FCT, let us not forget the work that remains. Let us not be complacent until every state in Nigeria recognizes that investing in education is not an option it is an imperative.