Ekiti State Enhances Educational Funding Under Oyebanji Administration
The Ekiti State government has allocated over N9.7 billion in matching funds to the Universal Basic Education Board during the past three and a half years, significantly boosting educational outcomes under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership.
Disbursement Breakdown
Professor Femi Akinwumi, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Commission, stated that the counter-funds distributed from 2022 to 2025 totaled N9.7 billion. The breakdown shows that N1.2 billion was disbursed in 2022, followed by N1.39 billion in 2023, and N3.55 billion allocated for both 2024 and 2025.
Transformative Impact on Basic Education
In an interview in Ado Ekiti, Akinwumi highlighted that this funding has transformed public basic education in the state. It has enhanced the teaching and learning environment, increased enrollment and retention of students, and notably reduced the number of out-of-school children.
Infrastructure and Resource Improvements
Akinwumi elaborated on the positive impacts stemming from this financial support, which have included improvements in healthcare services within schools. Efforts focused on providing clean water, hygiene facilities, and increased digital literacy, along with the availability of teaching resources and strengthened teacher capabilities through ongoing training.
Collaboration with Development Partners
The counterpart funding has also facilitated collaboration between the state government and various development partners, leading to better monitoring and execution of educational projects. A total of 699 classroom blocks have been renovated across the state during this funding period, with additional construction ongoing.
Investment in Student and Teacher Comfort
To enhance the learning environment, the board has procured 8,410 pieces of student furniture and 1,447 pieces for teachers between 2022 and 2025. Furthermore, 59 wells have been drilled and 41 perimeter fences erected to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Staff Development and Welfare Initiatives
From 2023 to 2026, a total of 8,336 teachers have participated in various capacity-building programs, alongside training for 355 caregivers. Additionally, over N860 million has been provided as operational subsidies to public primary schools since 2022, with N182.3 million allocated for educational materials.
New Recruitment and Promotions
To further enhance service delivery and ensure safety, the Oyebanji administration recruited 1,500 teachers and 200 non-teaching staff in 2023, as well as 362 security personnel in 2024. Notably, 7,178 primary school teachers have received promotions since 2022, and the anticipated promotion of 259 grade 15 teachers to grade 16 in 2025 marks a historic milestone for the state’s educational sector.
Financial Support for Teachers
Under the Staff Housing and Car Loan Scheme for Primary School Teachers, NOK 268 million has been distributed, and Governor Biodun Oyebanji has recently approved NOK 200 million for the recapitalization of the scheme, demonstrating a strong commitment to staff welfare and support.
