Ogasabi on 9am news reports that Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, praised the recent Supreme Court decision granting full financial autonomy to local government (LG) councils, stating that it will significantly improve the country’s universal basic education system. Speaking at the public launch of Modupe Adelabu’s book, “Navigating the Politics of Universal Education Policies in Nigeria,” in Abuja, Shettima emphasized the importance of LG autonomy in addressing financial constraints that have hindered effective alignment with government educational programs.
According to Shettima, empowering local governments, which are directly responsible for basic education, will resolve these financial challenges and ensure better implementation of educational policies. However, he also cautioned against the potential misuse of this newfound autonomy, stressing the need for accountability and proper management at the local level.
Shettima Commends Supreme Court Decision on LG Autonomy, Highlights Impact on Universal Basic Education
Shettima assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms are designed to tackle the weaknesses and outdated ideologies that have impeded the nation’s efforts to provide universal education. These reforms, he said, will build a stronger foundation for educational development across the country.
The Breaking news on 9am news Nigeria further highlighted that since the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in July, which granted financial autonomy to the third tier of government, around 15 states have either announced or conducted local government elections. The ruling also mandated that the Federal Government directly pay the 20.60% monthly allocation of the 774 LGs to their exclusive accounts, bypassing governor-controlled accounts. Additionally, the court barred governors from dissolving democratically elected local government councils, reinforcing the autonomy and democratic integrity of LGs across the nation.
