Femi Ashekun/
Oluseun Onigbinde, co-founder of BudgIT, has criticised the misallocation of resources in Nigeria’s public sector, citing the case of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
In a series of posts on X, he highlighted how ₦2 billion was reportedly diverted from the UCH budget for projects in Ekiti State, describing it as a grave misuse of funds.
“Just look at the CAPEX of UCH. ₦2bn was padded as expenditure for projects in Ekiti, robbing the main institution the opportunity of using resources for what’s most important,” Onigbinde wrote.
The provided expenditure breakdown highlights a total allocation of ₦6,593,110,394. Among these projects are allocations like ₦500 million each for the construction of intensive care unit amenities in Ekiti State and other non-UCH-related initiatives, such as a fire station and community facilities.
Onigbinde lamented the trend of diverting resources to fulfill narrow interests rather than adhering to comprehensive planning.
“How’s Nigeria going to make it this way? Please explain to me how Nigeria will make it if resources are meant to fulfill narrow interests and not layered on planning?” he questioned.
The diversion of funds from a flagship healthcare institution like UCH—an establishment critical to the nation’s healthcare delivery—highlights systemic inefficiencies and undermines the institution’s ability to address pressing needs.
Onigbinde’s remarks reflect a growing concern among Nigerians over the lack of transparency and accountability in government expenditure. Many argue that such practices hinder national development and exacerbate public distrust in governance.
Onigbinde’s closing words captured the sentiment of many, “What a disappointment.”
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