The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State is deeply concerned over revelations by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) that Benue State under Governor Hyacinth Alia has an unspent the balance of N19.18 billion in basic education intervention funds, the highest among the 36 states of the federation.

According to a report published by most national dailies on October 29, 2026, citing UBEC’s 2025 Annual Report, the N19.18 billion is unutilized, despite the urgent need to improve the condition of public schools across the state.

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This revelation is not only embarrassing; it is a damning indictment of a government that has consistently demonstrated an alarming disconnect between its public pronouncements and the realities confronting ordinary people of the state.

At a time when children in other states are learning in upgraded school facilities, following the unprecedented resources available to the governments of their states as a result of fuel subsidy removal, the discovery that billions of naira earmarked for basic education in Benue State have remained unspent is nothing short of scandalous.

What exactly is Governor Hyacinth Alia doing with Benue’s resources?

How can a government claim to prioritize the welfare of the people while allowing N19.18 billion meant to improve the education of their children to remain unutilized for the purpose the funds were appropriated?

The PDP considers this development particularly disturbing because education is not a luxury or a favour that governments dispense at their convenience. It is a fundamental right and a critical investment in the future of society. Every day that these funds remain unutilized for the purpose they are intended is another day that thousands of Benue children are denied the opportunity to learn in decent and conducive environments.

We find it especially concerning that the Alia administration has continued to preside over a state in which public schools have been abandoned in nearly four years, teachers and educational facilities require urgent attention, and communities are crying out for government intervention, yet, billions of naira provided specifically to address these challenges have not been deployed for their intended purpose.

The Governor cannot continue to hide behind propaganda, sentiments and grandstanding while the most vulnerable people of Benue State bear the consequences of poor governance.

PDP demands immediate answers to the following questions:

1. When were the various tranches of the UBEC intervention funds released to Benue State, and why were they not utilized within the appropriate period?
2. What specific projects were approved for the funds, and what progress has been made towards their implementation?
3. Has the state government provided the required counterpart funding and fulfilled all the necessary conditions?
4. Where exactly is the N19.18 billion today, and what measures has the government put in place to ensure that every naira is accounted for and deployed to its intended purpose?
5. Why are public schools across the state abandoned when such substantial education resources have been available?

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We further demand that the Benue State Government publish a comprehensive breakdown of all UBEC funds received, counterpart contributions made, projects approved, contracts awarded, payments made and outstanding balances, since the inception of the Alia administration.

Governor Alia must understand that public funds are not political trophies to be displayed in government accounts. They are resources entrusted to government for the benefit of the people. Money appropriated for the education of Benue children must be put to work, to ensure that Benue children have access to quality education.

Signed:

Bright Yima Antyo
State Publicity Secretary
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State

October 30, 2026