LG autonomy will improve basic education in Nigeria, says Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima says financial autonomy for local governments will grow Nigeria’s basic education.

In July, the supreme court ruled that the federal government should henceforth pay allocations directly to local government councils. 

A seven-member panel held that states have continued to abuse their powers by withholding and using the funds meant for LGAs. 

State governors, the panel found, were in the practice of managing local councils through non-elected caretaker committees.

The apex court, as a result, asked the federal government to withhold the allocations of LGAs who are governed by non-elected officials. 

Shettima was in Abuja for the presentation of a book written by Modupe Adelabu, former deputy governor of Ekiti state.

The book is titled “Navigating the Politics of Universal Education Policies in Nigeria”.

Shettima said financial autonomy addresses the troubles that hinder the alignment of LGAs with the federal agenda in education.

He said President Bola Tinubu inherited “realities that demand urgent action” in education.

Shettima said the president is, however, committed to addressing the “inadequacies” frustrating universal education in the country.

He added that financial freedom for LGs will bring the government closer to the people, “providing hope for our educational initiatives”.

The vice president urged all tiers of government to focus on policies that empower “those at the forefront of implementing initiatives that inspire interest in education”.

“Many primary and secondary school-age children are still not attending or completing their education. A large portion of the youth population lacks basic literacy skills, with notable gender disparities. This is what we must overcome,” he said.

Earlier, a policy think-tank urged the federal government to negotiate with states on LGA autonomy to foster cooperative federalism.