Imo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri has revealed that the state did not pay Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) counterpart funds in the last three years.
Onwuliri made the disclosure when she undertook a working visit to the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB) in Owerri.
She regretted that the state did not pay the counterpart funds since 2016 and lauded Gov. Emeka Ihedioha for promptly paying the counterpart funds.
She reminded the board that it is part of the ministry, adding that the board must secure the ministry’s approval before executing any project.
She listed security of personnel and perimeter fencing as well as the provision of conveniences in the schools as some of the projects the board must tackle iummediately.
The commissioner decried the alarming rate of racketeering and extortions among the IMSUBEB staff in respect of award of contracts and employment.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of IMSUBEB, Prof. Obioma lheduru stated that the board is concerned with basic education which is the foundation.
He disclosed that the board is presently assessing the 2016 and 2017 funds from both the federal and state governments, adding that a total of 275 projects had been identified.
NATIONAL NEWSBREAK
