N5bn UBEC Funds Allegedly Mismanaged in Kwara

A An Assistant Director of Finance at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abubakar Hassan, testified before a Kwara State High Court in Ilorin regarding the alleged misappropriation of approximately N5bn by the Kwara State Government. The funds were reportedly intended for projects in primary and junior secondary schools between 2013 and 2015, during the administration of a former governor.

The former governor and his then Commissioner for Finance are currently on trial for alleged theft and mismanagement of public funds totaling N5.78bn. Among other accusations, they are alleged to have conspired to divert funds meant for the payment of teachers' salaries under the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board.

During the trial, Hassan explained that UBEC’s Matching Grant Funds were designated for infrastructure projects, such as building classrooms, providing laboratory facilities, constructing toilets, and ensuring water and sanitation in schools. However, monitoring revealed that funds meant for the 2013 Action Plan were allegedly diverted, amounting to about N2bn.

Despite the commission’s recommendations, there was no compliance from the state. As a result, UBEC requested the return of funds allocated for 2014 and 2015, totaling over N5bn. This issue also disrupted educational projects for subsequent years.

The case has been adjourned until February 17, 2025, for further hearing.