Court hears how funds meant for basic education were diverted during tenure of former Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed
Fresh revelations have emerged at the ongoing trial of former Kwara State Governor, as a witness for the (EFCC) told the court how ₦5.78 billion meant for basic education projects was allegedly diverted to other purposes.
According to a report by , the EFCC witness testified before the sitting in , detailing how funds allocated under the (UBEC) matching grant scheme for 2013–2015 were allegedly misapplied.
The court heard that instead of being used strictly for basic education infrastructure such as classrooms, toilets, and learning facilities in public primary and junior secondary schools, large portions of the funds were reportedly transferred from SUBEB accounts into the Kwara State Government’s central account.
The witness alleged that part of the money was used for road and bridge projects, including township road construction and other infrastructure not directly related to improving basic education. Additionally, about ₦952 million from the 2014 allocation was allegedly used to repay loan obligations, while another request was made to access funds to offset workers’ salaries.
The prosecution maintains that the funds did not serve their intended statutory purpose under the UBEC matching grant framework, which requires counterpart funding from states strictly for education development projects.
Former Governor Ahmed and a former Commissioner for Finance have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial continues as the court adjourned proceedings for further hearing.
The case has drawn national attention, raising fresh concerns about accountability in the management of education funds and the impact of alleged financial mismanagement on public school development in Nigeria.
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