National Assembly Drastically Inflates Nigerian College Gombe Budget: From N368 Million to N42 Billion

In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, the National Assembly has reportedly increased the budget of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, from the initial proposal of N368 million to a staggering N42 billion. This dramatic budget adjustment has raised questions about transparency and accountability in the nation’s legislative processes.

Sources revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education initially submitted a budget proposal of N368 million for the institution. However, the National Assembly reportedly revised this figure upwards by over 11,000%, raising concerns about budget padding and potential misuse of public funds.

Critics argue that this inflated budget does not align with the institution’s current needs or ongoing projects. The college, primarily focused on providing technical education and teacher training, has not publicly outlined any significant projects or expansions that would warrant such a massive increase in funding.

Budget padding—an illegal practice where additional, unapproved funds are inserted into a budget—has been a recurring issue in Nigeria. This incident underscores persistent concerns about fiscal discipline and the lack of oversight in the appropriation process.

Stakeholders, including civil society organizations and financial experts, have called for an investigation into the matter. They emphasize the importance of ensuring that public funds are allocated responsibly and are used for the intended purposes.

The National Assembly is yet to issue a formal statement addressing the allegations. Meanwhile, Nigerians are urging the government to improve transparency in budget preparation and execution to restore public trust.

This revelation comes at a time when the nation is grappling with economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and a growing debt profile. Observers argue that such incidents only exacerbate the public’s skepticism about the management of the country’s resources.

The Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe, has not commented on the revised budget. However, many await further clarification and possible corrective action from relevant authorities.