₦54b Education Fund: FENRAD Charges Gov. Otti On Accountability, Transparency
Umuahia, Abia State — The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) An Environmental & Anti corruption organization has again raised alarm over the controversial ₦54.07 billion reportedly expended by the Abia State Government on the retrofitting and rebuilding of public schools in the 2024 fiscal year.
FENRAD, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor and Barr. Femisi Akande Head corporate Accountability and Anti corruption, and made available to famousreporters.com today, Sunday, described the outrageous figure as deeply questionable and lacking transparency.
According to FENRAD, their clarion card for accountability is consequent on the extant widespread infrastructural decay that still characterizes many public schools across the state.
The release read in detail:
“It is not enough for the government to throw figures at the public,” said Comrade Nwafor. “What the people demand—and deserve—is clarity, accountability, and verifiable evidence of impact. ₦54 billion is not an invisible sum.”
On-The-spot Assessment Reveals Stark Contradictions
In response to the government’s claim, FENRAD conducted an independent on-the-spot assessment of several public schools across Umuahia, Aba North, Aba South, Osisioma, Ukwa West, Ukwa East LGA. Ikwuano, among others. The findings were disturbing:
Numerous schools visited still suffer from leaking roofs, broken furniture, uncompleted classrooms, and unsafe learning environments.
In some locations, no trace of renovation or construction work was found, despite being listed by local education authorities as “beneficiaries” of the supposed upgrades.
In other areas, contractor signage was missing, making verification of project handlers or timelines impossible.
Photographic and documented evidence from these visits is being compiled for public presentation and submission to relevant oversight bodies.
Continuing, FENRAD stated that: “What we saw on the ground is at variance with what was announced in the media. Abians cannot be gaslit. If ₦54 billion was spent, we want to see the schools, the contracts, and the results,” FENRAD stated.
FOI Request Filed; Public Has Right to Know
FENRAD has formally submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, requesting:
A breakdown of all schools renovated or rebuilt, including their names and locations.
The specific cost of each project and contract award details, including company names and scopes of work.
Evidence of monitoring and evaluation, including completion certificates and payment records.
Documentation of teacher recruitment, classroom equipment, or other supporting investments tied to the ₦54 billion spend.
The organization reminds the Ministry that the FOI Act, 2011, mandates a response within seven working days.
ADDRESS THE MESSAGE, NOT THE MESSENGER
FENRAD also cautioned the Abia State Government against attempting to politicize or dismiss calls for accountability, reiterating that citizen advocacy is a democratic right and not an act of opposition.
“We urge the Governor to address the message, not the messenger. Transparency is not an attack—it is a necessary component of good governance,” Comrade Nwafor emphasized.
FENRAD warns that if the government fails to provide a detailed and honest account of how ₦54 billion was spent, the organization will escalate the matter through appropriate legal and civic channels, including petitions to anti-corruption agencies and public interest litigation.
NEXT STEPS
FENRAD says it will release its preliminary spot assessment report to the public in the coming days.
“FENRAD will release its preliminary spot assessment report to the public in the coming days.
The organization plans to collaborate with other civil society partners, education stakeholders, and community watchdogs to hold a public accountability forum on the matter.
It also calls on the Abia State House of Assembly to look into the alleged spending irregularities and address Executive fiscal indiscipline and reckless spending of tax payers money
Media Contact:
FENRAD Nigeria
Attn: Media and Policy Advocacy Unit
Email: info@fenrad.org.ng
Phone: +234 (0)8033383708, 07062949232.
Website: www.fenrad.org.ng
About FENRAD
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development is a non-governmental, non-partisan organization committed to promoting environmental justice, democratic accountability, and community development through advocacy, research, and civic engagement.
