PDP seeks clarification over N19.18bn unspent UBEC funds in Benue

From Scholastica Hir Makurdi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has called on the state government to provide clarification on the reported N19.18 billion unspent Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) intervention funds.

The party said it is demanding greater transparency in the management and utilisation of resources allocated to basic education.

The party is reacting to reports published by some national newspapers on October 29, 2026, citing UBEC’s 2025 Annual Report, which indicated that Benue State had an unspent balance of N19.18 billion in basic education intervention funds, reportedly the highest among the 36 states.

In a statement signed by its state Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, the PDP expressed concern over the reported balance, noting that effective utilisation of the funds could help address infrastructure and other challenges confronting public schools across the state.

The party described the revelation as not only embarrassing, but a damning indictment on the state government lamenting that 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, billions of naira earmarked for basic education in Benue have remained unspent.

The statement said: “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 unutilised 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.”

The party said the reported amount had raised questions about the timing of the funds’ release, the projects earmarked for implementation and the steps taken by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to access and utilise the intervention resources.