Governor AbdulRazaq Emphasizes the Significance of Education and Healthcare for National Development
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has highlighted the pivotal roles of education and healthcare as catalysts for national development. He made this assertion during the presentation of the BudgIT 2023 State of States report, which focused on “Subnational Healthcare Delivery for Improved Economic Development.”
Governor AbdulRazaq urged state governors across Nigeria to instigate positive changes that will benefit their constituents. He emphasized that by prioritizing education and healthcare, significant advancements and an improved quality of life for citizens can be achieved.
Governor AbdulRazaq acknowledged the transformative initiatives carried out in states like Lagos, Kaduna, and Edo, which have led to substantial improvements in their education systems. These initiatives include the deployment of digital devices in classrooms, the implementation of data-driven approaches to address issues such as student absenteeism and malnutrition, and the hiring of qualified educators.
He commended Kaduna State for taking decisive action against underperforming teachers and praised Lagos and Edo states for equipping teachers with tablets, resulting in a more streamlined and effective teaching process. The impact of these measures has been profound, with improvements in student outcomes and an enhanced relationship with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
Governor AbdulRazaq shared the story of Kwara State, which was previously blacklisted by UBEC due to irregularities in school operations but has now regained access to funding and support for its education programs.
The presentation also focused on the need to enhance the connections between funds allocated and actual health outcomes in Nigeria. Dr. Olumide Okunola, Senior Health Specialist of the World Bank Group, stressed that Nigeria faces challenges in healthcare due to inadequate public fund generation and heavy reliance on monthly FAAC allocations.
The report, BudgIT’s 2023 State of States Report, provides comprehensive insights into the fiscal performance of states across Nigeria, including indices related to revenue generation, debt sustainability, capital expenditure prioritization, and healthcare expenditure. It highlights the areas where states have excelled and where they need improvement, offering valuable recommendations for a more robust and sustainable future.
The presentation underscored the critical importance of education and healthcare as drivers of economic development and emphasized the need for states to diversify their revenue sources and prioritize capital expenditure. The report also called for the expansion of healthcare insurance programs and efforts to reduce under-5 mortality rates across various states.
