The Niger State Government, under Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, has allocated over N16 million for the planting of ornamental trees at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai.
This decision comes at a time when the university is grappling with severe infrastructural decay, inadequate hostel accommodations, and insufficient lecture theatres among other pressing challenges.
The specific allocation of sixteen million, thirty-two thousand eight hundred and twelve naira fifty kobo (N16,032,812.50) is categorised under “schools’ infrastructure construction and rehabilitation” in the state’s 2024 budget.
This allocation has sparked debate among stakeholders who argue that the funds could be better utilized to address the critical infrastructure needs of the institution.
Further scrutiny of the North-central state’s 2024 budget reveals that over N40 million has been earmarked for the “maintenance of trees in Kaliko Bosso Dam and Bonu forest reserves.”
Additionally, another N20 million has been allocated for the “planting of 50 fruit trees in 30 schools” across the state’s three senatorial zones.
Furthermore, N20 million is set aside for the planting and maintenance of trees in urban areas including Bida, Kontagora, Suleja, and Minna.
Altogether, these projects amount to more than N96 million for tree-related initiatives in the 2024 budget.
Critics argue that while environmental sustainability is important, the current state of infrastructure in many Nigerian universities, including IBBU, demands more immediate attention.
Dilapidated buildings, inadequate classrooms, outdated laboratories, and insufficient accommodation facilities are rampant issues that detract from the quality of education and overall student experience.
In December 2023, Governor Bago approved a substantial budget of N613.2 billion for the 2024 fiscal year, which focuses on agriculture, food security, urban renewal, rural transformation, and the security of lives and property.
The budget, themed ‘The Budget of the Future’, allocates a significant N464 billion, or 75.67% of the total budget, to capital expenditures aimed at addressing critical and priority sectors comprehensively.
Governor Bago stated that the 2024 budget reflects his administration’s vision of creating a sustainable and prosperous Niger State.
The budget highlights infrastructural development, education, health, water and sanitation, support for women and children, environmental sustainability, and care for people with special needs and the elderly as priority areas.
During his presentation at the Niger State House of Assembly, Governor Bago reiterated that the 2024 budget represents his administration’s comprehensive vision for a new Niger State brimming with opportunities.
The breakdown of the budget shows that N149.2 billion is allocated for recurrent expenditure, making up 24.33% of the total budget, while N464.1 billion is earmarked for capital projects.
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