Gombe State has the least budgetary allocation for the education sector in Nigeria having earmarked N26.26 billion in its 2024 budget estimate of over N207 billion.
The allocation to the education sector represents 3.9 per cent of the total budgetary allocations which is shorter than the UNESCO declaration that recommends allocation of at least 15 per cent to the sector.
According to a survey by Daily Trust newspaper, Gombe State is the least in terms of budgetary allocation for education in the country followed by Edo and Benue States.
While Lagos State has the highest allocation in the country for the education sector having earmarked the sum of N170.89 billion, more than twice the amounts of the three least states combined which is N81.33 billion.
According to the report, Bauchi State, the closest neighbouring state to Gombe earmarked the sum of N48.28 billion to the education.
DAYLIGHT REPORTERS reports that the government of Gombe State has in recent time approved the sum of N43 billion for renovation of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s residence, State Assembly and High Court complexes.
The approval, DAYLIGHT REPORTERS reports has elicited serious condemnation from members of the opposition who decried that the projects cost are exorbitant and misplacement of priorities.
The critics lamented that the huge sum was approved for the projects amid economic hardship and hunger faced by the citizens.