Ministry of Finance Withholds N4.9 Billion Meal Subsidy for Unity Schools

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The Nigerian Ministry of Finance has withheld N4.9 billion meant for meal subsidies in 112 Federal Unity Colleges, causing significant operational challenges. This information, obtained through sources within the Federal Civil Service and several letters from the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, to Finance Minister Wale Edun, highlights the financial strain on these schools.


Despite the interventions for November and December 2023 being withheld, subsidies for January 2024 onward have been paid. Each month, the 112 Unity Colleges collectively receive N2,478,056,400. Former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Didi Walson-Jack, who is now Head of the Civil Service, wrote to the Finance Ministry in February 2024 requesting the release of the overdue funds, emphasizing the adverse effects on the schools.


In her letter, Walson-Jack explained that the delay in releasing the subsidies disrupted the schools' planning and management. She stressed that timely payments would enable the schools to stockpile food and mitigate the impact of daily price inflation. The rising cost of food, coupled with the late release of funds, has significantly hindered the efficient management of the meal subsidy program.


Despite Walson-Jack's efforts, the funds remained unreleased, prompting Minister Tahir Mamman to send a follow-up letter to the Finance Ministry. Mamman highlighted that the funding delay resulted in debts for the Unity Colleges and disrupted both the conclusion of the previous term and the commencement of the 2024 academic session. He noted the need for adjustments to the academic calendar once the overdue payments are made, given the rising cost of goods and services.


Senior civil servants within the Federal Ministry of Education, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration over the Finance Ministry's inaction and the lack of transparency in subsidy calculations. The schools have accumulated significant debts, impacting their ability to secure steady food supplies from vendors. Attempts to contact the Ministry of Finance for clarification were unsuccessful, as Director of Press Muhammed Manga did not respond to inquiries.



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