A total of N4.65 billion was allocated for UBE action plan for the year 2016 and 2017. While N2.08 billion was allocated for 2016, 2017 allocation was put at N2.57 billion for 156 schools. A further breakdown of the allocation shows that the projects were broken into four critical areas, which are 5,529 perimeter fencing, 3448 furniture to be supplied to schools, 35 constructions (classrooms) and rehabilitation of 5 schools.
Stakeholders comprising of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), School Based Management Committees (SBMC), Parents Forum (PF), and some independent monitors engaged by Human Development Initiatives (HDI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) met recently in Lagos to review the report of the monitoring and implementation of year 2016&2017 L-SUBEB action plans in selected 9 local governments of Lagos State.
Olufunso Owasanoye, the executive director, HDI, said the essence of the review and stakeholders’ engagement was to ensure proper implementation of UBE funds for better education outcomes in Lagos.
According to her, the main reason for monitoring UBE projects is to ensure all school-aged children in Lagos State receive quality basic education. However, she noted that despite the huge amount spent on basic education in Lagos, there is little to show for it.
The independent monitors reviewed L-SUBEB funded projects in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin, Agege, Apapa, Surulere, Kosofe, Ibeju-Lekki, and Mushin. The monitors narrated the poor implementation of some on-going projects in their local government areas, while some awarded projects like furniture were not supplied based on the recommendation in the action plan.
Findings revealed that some of the infrastructure projects executed lack proper maintenance culture; while some classes were over populated some schools do not have perimeter fence thereby exposing pupils to danger.
Johnson Ibidapo, programme officer, HDI said key stakeholders in the fight for qualitative basic education in Nigeria, especially Lagos State converged to review the implementation of good and qualitative service delivery of basic education.
According to him, the essence of the stakeholders’ dialogue was to track and monitor funding of basic education projects in Lagos. “We have gotten the commitment and buy-in of many civil society organisations as regards working towards qualitative basic education, since our own goal is ensuring that basic education goods and services get delivered to schools in the right quality and quantity,” said Ibidapo.
SEYI JOHN SALAU
