The Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Mallam Abdulkarim Mohammed, has attributed the stunted development in the primary education system to perennial systemic corruption in government and their external political patrons which has left the sector in a state of total collapse.
Mallam Abdulkarim who made this remark while addressing newsmen in his office in Lafia, lamented the? lip service paid to the development of the education sector in the state, saying “systemic corruption perpetrated by egocentric politicians has led to the near collapse of? education infrastructure in the state”.
In a shocking revelation, the former NTA Regional boss, who also alleged that the previous government of Aliyu Akwe Doma awarded fictitious contracts in a bid to finance his political campaigns, revealed that most of the said contracts, some of which have been substantially paid for are yet to take off.
He said while successive governments diverted funds meant for educational development? to? other projects, the Governor Tanko Al-Makura led administration had repeatedly made?? public its intention to utilise funds allocated to educational development to the sector to achieve maximum result.
Stressing that Al-makura’s administration is poised to promote education in the state, he revealed that the governor has directed for the full compilation of all dilapidated schools in the state with the aim of rehabilitating and reconstructing those that are in a state of complete disrepair.
He vowed to resist attempts by any person or group of persons from intimidating or cajoling him into jettisoning due process and merit in the discharge of his duties, adding that he would not bow to any political blackmail used by many in the attainment of their personal goals, pointing out that as a result of? corruption,? the nomadic education, which is financed by millions of tax payers’ money is largely non-operational saying it was only used as a conduit to siphon public funds.