By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
A three-point demand has been put forward to the Kaduna State Government by a citizen group, Kaduna Basic Education Accountability Mechanism (KADBEAM), a co-creation accountability platform between government and civil society working around education.
The demands which include timely release of finances, provision of water and ensuring safe spaces, was contained in the Scorecard presented to participants of a two-day discussion on education scorecard in Kaduna State, which begain in Zaria on Monday November 15, 2020.
According to KADBEAM, this demands followed the tracking of execution of some of the projects in 15 local government areas of the state with the support from Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn, Engaged Citizens Pillar (PERL ECP).
“Government should ensure timely releases and cash-backing of allocated funds to complete the 69% on-going projects.
“Kaduna State Government must urgently address blockages to fiscal transparency in the education sector especially in delivery of projects.
“Projects under the UBE programme should be implemented in a more transparent manner leveraging on the existing procurement solutions in line with the governments’ commitment to the Open Government Partnership and SFTAS,” KADBEAM demanded.
They demanded that the Kaduna State Government should provide more gender-sensitive Water and Sanitation (WASH) facilities and sanitary supplies in schools to improve hygiene practices among girls.
“This will improve school attendance among girls and prevent open defecation,” KADBEAM Scorecard said.
It added,”Government should provide safe spaces in schools to ensure a safe and friendly learning environment for girls.
“The findings revealed only 7% of safe spaces available in schools. Government should ensure that school infrastructure at the basic level are inclusive, accessible and friendly to PWDs as findings show 74.4% projects do not have ramps. None of the projects have ramps leading to the classroom.Government should disseminate to host communities adequate procurement data, especially information on cost, design, specifications and standards, bill of quantity, description of the project and other information communities may demand as useful for proper community monitoring,”.
The group said that this will strengthen citizens participation and promote fiscal transparency and accountability in the delivery of education projects.
“Citizens at the community level and influencers should ensure that school facilities are protected against indiscriminate use for activities like weddings, football etc,” they demanded.
