Nigeria’s Supreme Court Ruling Boosts Universal Basic Education System

In a significant move, Nigeria’s Supreme Court has granted full financial autonomy to local government councils, paving the way for improved primary education and enhanced universal basic education system. Vice President Kashim Shettima made this announcement at the public presentation of a book titled ‘Navigating the Politics of Universal Education Policies in Nigeria’, written by former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Modupe Adelabu, held in Abuja on Thursday.

According to Shettima, the autonomy of local governments, which are responsible for providing primary education, will address the financial limitations that have hindered the alignment of administrative units with the government’s educational agenda. The Vice President also assured Nigerians that the ongoing reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu will address inadequacies and ideologies frustrating universal education in the country.

In the last month, about 15 states have announced or held local government elections since the Supreme Court granted financial autonomy to the third tier of government. This landmark judgement has also barred power-drunk governors from dissolving democratically elected local government councils.

The Federal Government has been ordered to pay the 20.60% monthly allocation of the 774 local governments in the country directly to their exclusive accounts and not to accounts controlled by governors. This move is expected to significantly improve the financial management of local governments and enhance the overall education system in Nigeria.

The ruling is seen as a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s education system and ensuring that every child has access to quality primary education.