The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued a significant ruling, ordering the Delta State Government to be accountable for over N200bn in education funds and allocations.
The suit includes the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board as defendants.
Honourable Justice Daniel Osiagor delivered the judgment in response to a Freedom of Information suit filed by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) under suit number FHC/L/CS/803/2019.
The court specifically mandated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to disclose budgetary allocations and actual spending by the Okowa government from 2015 to 2019, including details of specific projects aimed at improving primary education in Delta State and their respective locations. Additionally, the government is required to provide information on the primary schools that have benefited from projects focused on enhancing access to free and quality primary education in the state.
The court also called for transparency regarding indirect costs such as uniforms, exercise books, and transport expenses for students and their parents.
Moreover, Justice Osiagor emphasized that SERAP has a legitimate right to inquire about how public institutions manage public funds, and he emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
The court dismissed objections raised by the Delta State government, UBEC, and the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, ruling in favor of SERAP. As a result, the court issued an order of mandamus compelling the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board to provide SERAP with detailed information on the disbursement and administration of UBEC funds disbursed through the Board to the Delta State Government. This information should include the actual spending on primary education monitored by the Board between 2015 and 2019, as well as specific projects carried out to improve access to free and quality primary education, their locations, and the primary schools benefiting from them.
The Board must also disclose the steps taken to improve children’s welfare in primary schools, any fee-free program in place, and relevant details about projects aimed at improving access to education for children with disabilities in Delta State.
The judgment aims to address the use of public funds and foster transparency in governance. The ruling was dated 17th July 2023.