The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Education has expressed concern over some irregularities in the documents presented to it by the Ministry of Higher Education in the ongoing budget defense of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs of the state government.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon Charles Emetulu subsequently directed that the Commissioner in charge of the Ministry, Prof Patrick Muoboghare and his team to step down the exercise till later date.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Charles Emetulu flanked by other members, observed that there were some irregularities in the figures being presented by the Commissioner, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare while presenting the 2022 budget of the ministry.
Hon Emetulu said the committee was not satisfied with the presentation, especially following the Ministry’s inability to execute some key projects captured in the 2021 budget, including renovation of most library projects across the state.
The Lawmaker also amongst other observed irregularities questioned the claims of percentage performance of some of projects being handled by the Ministry of Higher Education.
The Vice Chairman of the Committee, Hon Oboro Preyor, expressed disappointment that the Bomadi major library projected in the 2021 budget which was not executed was not captured in the 2022 proposed budget estimates of the ministry.
Hon Preyor described such omission as sad, emphasizing the need for the ministry to go back and effect the necessary correction.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare noted that the omission was not a deliberate act, just as promised to work on the budget proposal.
Meanwhile the State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu said the ministry is proposing the sum of N12.7 billion for projects and programs in the 2022 fiscal year.
Mrs Ezewu explained that out of the figure, N5.3 billion was earmarked for completion of ongoing projects, while N1.4 billion is for intervention of securing school lands as well as create better conducive learning environment in schools across the state.
The Commissioner who appealed for support of the committee, noted that the 2022 budget would help to move the education sector of the state forward.
For his part, the State Commissioner for Primary Education, Hon Chika Ossai told the Education Committee that the ministry was proposing the sum of N5.9 million for the primary education sub sector in the 2022 fiscal year.
Hon Ossai who highlighted some of the landmarks achievements and challenges in the ministry during the outgoing 2021 fiscal year, solicited for a stronger synergy between the ministry and the Assembly Committee in moving the education sector forward in the state.
Responding, the Chairman House Committee on Education assured the ministries of the preparedness of members towards working in synergy with the officials towards taking the State Education sector to the next level.
The Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University, Prof Egwuyenga and other heads of higher institutions in the state also appeared before the education committee to defend their 2022 budget estimates.