Prof. Awe condemns mismanagement of UBE funds

Yekini Jimoh, Ilorin - 12.03.2008

THE Pro- Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsuka, Professor Bolanle Awe, has expressed concern over what she described as mismanagement of funds meant for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) by some state governors.

Speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in her home town, Esie, in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, after a press conference to mark the beginning of Esie Monuments Festival 2008, Professor Awe said the scheme was started in 1950 and was one of the legacies left behing by the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

According to her, part of the problems the country was facing today were due to the corruption that had moved to the education sector and “until we begin to work against such attitude, there would be no meaningful growth in the sector.”

She said education for all by 2020 would be hampared if the Federal Government failed to bring to book, those who were involved in the mismanagement of the UBE funds.

Professor Awe, who was a former Commissioner for Education in the old Oyo State, also condemned the parents who buy examination papers for their children, saying that this was negatively affecting the development of education.

She, therefore, called on the government to inject more fund into the education sector.