A prosecution witness has accused the Kwara State Government of mismanaging N5 billion meant for educational projects under the administration of former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.
The Assistant Director of Finance at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abubakar Hassan, made the claim during a hearing at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin. The funds, allocated between 2013 and 2015, were intended for primary and junior secondary school projects, including building construction, provision of laboratories, toilets, water facilities, and sanitation.
Hassan testified that although the 2013 Action Plan was approved and contractors mobilized, monitoring revealed that approximately N2 billion was diverted. Following this, UBEC requested the return of unutilized 2014 and 2015 funds due to non-compliance with its recommendations.
Former Governor Ahmed and his Commissioner for Finance, Ademola Banu, are standing trial for allegedly misappropriating N5.78 billion, including funds designated for teacher salaries. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The trial judge, Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar, has adjourned the case until February 17, 2025, for further hearing.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts to address accountability in the management of public funds within Nigeria’s education sector.
