Apc, Pdp Lock Horns Over N3.5Bn Allocated For School Renovation.

In Ondo State, there has been a heated argument between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding the release of ₦3.5 billion for the renovation of public primary schools. While the APC commends Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the allocation, the PDP dismisses it as another empty campaign promise in view of the upcoming governorship election on November 16th.

The state government has approved a counterpart fund of ₦3.5 billion for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to support the construction and renovation of public primary schools throughout the state. This amount will be matched by a counterpart fund from the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC).

Reacting to the fund release, the APC’s Public Secretary, Mr Alex Kalejaye, emphasizes the crucial role of the education sector in development and praises Governor Aiyedatiwa for prioritizing the reconstruction of the entire sector. He emphasizes that primary education forms the foundation for nurturing quality students for higher education. However, the PDP criticizes the release of the ₦3.5 billion as a deceptive move to gain political mileage before the governorship election.

Mr Kennedy Peretei, the PDP Public Secretary, questions the timing of the fund release, pointing out that it was announced after the schools had already resumed for the new academic session. He accuses the government of failing to utilize the previous holiday period for necessary rehabilitation or renovations. According to Peretei, the government’s action is yet another unfulfilled campaign promise.

Kalejaye highlights the dilapidated state of many primary schools and the need to invest in their infrastructure and teaching quality. He asserts that adequate attention to primary education is essential in ensuring a solid foundation for the overall education system. In contrast, the PDP criticizes the Aiyedatiwa government for increasing tuition fees, leading to a rise in dropouts and hindering educational progress.

The PDP also raises concerns about the government’s opaque recruitment process for teachers, alleging favoritism and political interference. The party claims that the allocation of bursaries and grants from the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) lacks transparency. It argues that the current administration has reversed the progress made in education over the past two decades.

The PDP further emphasizes the alarming number of out-of-school children as a consequence of the government’s policies, stating that many households now have at least one child unable to attend school due to financial constraints. The party criticizes the Aiyedatiwa government for failing to fulfill its responsibilities in providing accessible education for all.