Kagara Abduction: SERAP Asks Buhari To Probe Alleged Billions Missing From UBEC, SUBEB

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to probe alleged billions missing from Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), including N3,836,685,213.13 as revealed by Auditor-General in his 2017 report.

In a statement issued on Sunday, SERAP following the abduction of students and members of staff of Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State, a few days ago, the group urged him to ensure prosecution of perpetrators and recovery of public funds.

Recall that Buhari had earlier condemned the abduction and dispatched a team of top security officials to Niger State to coordinate the rescue operation.

The President vowed not to relent until normalcy is restored in the security situation in the country.

SERAP’s statement read in part, “Kagara: We’ve asked President Buhari to probe alleged billions missing from UBEC, SUBEBs, including N3,836,685,213.13 revealed by Auditor-General in his 2017 report, N3.2bn for Safe School Initiative; and to ensure prosecution of perpetrators and recovery of public funds

“Allegations of corruption in UBEC and SUBEBs violate the right to education of Nigerian children who continue to face unsuitable learning conditions, as shown by the poor learning and boarding facilities at the Government Science College, Kagara.

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“Investigating the allegations prosecuting suspected perpetrators and recovering any missing public funds would contribute to addressing the education crisis in the country, which has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable and marginalized, and entrenched inequality.

“We would be grateful if your government would indicate the measures being taken to address the allegations and to implement the proposed recommendations within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.

“If we have not heard from you by then as to the steps being taken in this direction, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to implement these recommendations in the public interest and to promote accountability in UBEC and SUBEBs.”