Re: FG alone can’t finance education

 The recent Supreme Court ruling that state governors have no rights to manage local government funds represents a significant shift in the administration of educational resources in Nigeria. This landmark decision has the potential to fundamentally alter the trajectory of local education, addressing long-standing issues of poor infrastructure, inadequate learning resources, and a shortage of […]

 The recent Supreme Court ruling that state governors have no rights to manage local government funds represents a significant shift in the administration of educational resources in Nigeria. This landmark decision has the potential to fundamentally alter the trajectory of local education, addressing long-standing issues of poor infrastructure, inadequate learning resources, and a shortage of qualified teachers.

It is now incumbent upon local government councils to seize this opportunity and ensure that local government education authorities take the largest share of the funds receive by them and are utilised effectively to uplift the standard of education in our communities.

For many years, Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) in Nigeria have been heavily reliant on state governments for funding. Unfortunately, this dependence has often resulted in the mismanagement of educational funds, leaving local schools in a state of disrepair.

Schools across the country have faced numerous challenges, including dilapidated buildings, insufficient learning materials, and a severe lack of qualified teachers. These issues have directly impacted the quality of education, hindering the ability of local schools to achieve their goals and adequately prepare students for the future.

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The Supreme Court’s ruling is a watershed moment, emphasising that state governors do not have the authority to manage local government funds. This decision effectively removes a significant barrier that has historically obstructed the proper allocation and use of educational resources. With this ruling, local governments are now directly responsible for the administration of their funds, providing a unique opportunity to address the systemic issues that have plagued the LEAs for decades, such as the poor state of school infrastructure, inadequate learning materials, including textbooks, laboratory equipment, and digital resources, are essential for effective teaching and learning. Local governments must allocate funds to supply these resources, bridging the gap that has long existed in local schools.

The court ruling also offers a fresh start for local education in Nigeria. It is an opportunity for local government authorities to take charge and implement meaningful changes that will improve the quality of education, promote access to education and address the long-standing issue of out-of-school children in the country.

However, this momentous decision has the potential to transform the educational landscape in Nigeria, but it requires commitment. transparency, accountability and action from local government authorities. It is time to move beyond the challenges of the past and work towards a future where every child has access to quality education. Let us seize this opportunity and make a lasting impact on our local education system.

 

Tijjani Mukaddas wrote via [email protected]