The Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, has emphasised the importance of financial officers in State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) resisting pressure and maintaining accountability in the management of funds allocated for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program.
Speaking in Abuja, on Monday at a training session for Accountants and Auditors of UBEC and SUBEBs, Dr. Bobboyi called on state officials to refrain from pressuring financial officers to commit infractions and compromise standards.
He stressed the need for judicious and accountable utilization of funds disbursed for the UBE program. Stating, “As such, it becomes our responsibility to be accountable to the Nigerian public regarding the management of Federal Government UBE Intervention Fund and its overall impact.
“To fulfill these responsibilities effectively, it is necessary to continuously enhance our institutional capacity by improving professional competence among all UBEC and SUBEB staff members.”
He expressed concern over poor record-keeping practices and infractions identified during financial monitoring activities, urging strict compliance with established rules and guidelines.
The Director of Finance and Accounts at UBEC, Adamu Misau, outlined the new sanction regime developed to safeguard the FGN-UBE Intervention Fund.
He emphasised the importance of training financial managers to handle funds in accordance with financial regulations and due process.
The training program aims to equip financial officers with the necessary skills to effectively manage funds and uphold ethical standards in financial transactions.