SERAP asks Buhari to probe, recover billions allegedly missing from UBEC, SUBEBs

THE Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has threatened to sue the Federal Government if it fails to investigate strings of corruption allegedly rocking the Universal Basic Education Commission and State University Basic Education Board.

According to SERAP  the alleged misappropriation of billions by  the Universal Basic Education Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board  is a violation of the right to education of Nigerian children.

The organisation also requested a probe into the N3.8 billion exposed by the  by the Auditor-General in his 2017 report and the N3.2 billion for Safe School Initiative.

The rights group stressed that litigation will not be initiated if  President Buhari recovers the funds and prosecutes the perpetrators.

SERAP, in a letter to the President, said, “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.

“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 in public interest, and to promote accountability in UBEC and SUBEBs”.