Eight key agencies in Bauchi’s education, health sectors record less than 1% capital budget performance in six months

By solacebase.com On Oct 4, 2025

agencies, Bauchi, education, health sector, capital budget performance, — Eight key agencies in Bauchi’s education, health sectors record less than 1% capital budget performance in six months

By Aminu Abubakar

A SolaceBase review of the half-year 2025 budget performance document for Bauchi State has shown that seven key government agencies recorded between 0% to less than 1% budget execution within the period.

The findings highlight disturbing gaps in service delivery, especially in education and healthcare, raising concerns over the state government’s fiscal priorities.

The Bauchi State Agency for Mass Education, which oversees programs aimed at tackling the rising number of out-of-school children, had a capital budget of N222 million.

However, as of the end of June, and according to the budget performance document, not a single naira had been spent. This lack of spending stands in stark contrast to urgent calls from education advocates for expanded adult literacy and community education programs.

Similarly, the Bauchi State Special Schools Management Board had a capital allocation of N1.057 billion, but only N4.8 million was utilized by mid-year. This represents a mere 0.5% budget execution. Stakeholders argue that this near-zero performance leaves thousands of children with special needs stranded without adequate learning facilities or support services.

The Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education, Kangere, fared only marginally better. Out of a capital budget of N908 million for 2025, just N2.074 million was spent between January and June, representing a dismal 0.2% execution rate. The College of Education, Dass, recorded an even worse outcome. Despite being allocated N4.55 billion in capital expenditure, not a single naira was released or spent in the first half of the year, a finding that has generated outrage among lecturers and students alike. The Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic budget stood at N2 billion but zero naira was spent between January and June, according to the budget performance document.

The Bauchi State Scholarship Board, which plays a critical role in supporting underprivileged students, also failed to utilize its N29.6 million budget during the same period.

In the health sector, the situation was not much better. The Hospitals Management Board was allocated N3.1 billion in capital expenditure. Yet by June 2025, only N19.5 million had been spent, amounting to 0.6% of the budget. Public health experts note that this poor implementation undermines efforts to equip hospitals, improve service delivery, and respond to pressing challenges such as maternal mortality and infectious disease outbreaks.

The Drugs Management and Medical Consumables Agency (DMMA) also reflected the same pattern. Despite having a capital budget of N465.5 million, nothing was spent between January and June, according to the review of state budget documents.

These revelations come against the backdrop of an earlier report showing the government’s controversial spending decisions. While agencies charged with improving education and healthcare recorded near-zero spending, the Bauchi State government reportedly spent a staggering N5.737 billion on assorted vehicles for public office holders within just six months of 2025.

According to the budget document, the expenditure was for “Forty assorted units of official motor vehicles for commoners and public office holders.” This allocation has been widely criticized as reflecting misplaced priorities. The spending contrasts sharply with the state’s poor educational outcomes. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 54% of children in Bauchi households lack access to basic education, one of the highest figures in the country.

Further analysis of the budget uncovers eyebrow-raising allocations to the Bauchi State House of Assembly Commission. The Commission plans to spend N20 million on just ten office chairs and ten tables, translating to N2 million per set. In addition, it has budgeted N30 million for a Mikano generator and a further N184 million for two more generators intended for the House of Assembly itself, bringing the total cost to N214 million for only three generators.

The spree does not stop there. Another N132.2 million is earmarked for the purchase of 32 chairs and 32 tables for honourable members’ offices, averaging more than N2 million per set. Critics argue that such extravagant allocations suggest a governance culture that places the comfort of political elites above the welfare of ordinary citizens.

Perhaps most controversial is the provision of N1.367 billion for “Refreshments and Meals (Statewide)” and N3.191 billion for “Honorarium and Sitting Allowances (Statewide).” These funds cover payments to government officials for meetings, attendance, and compensation. Observers note that such spending items, while legal, undermine public confidence in government when critical social services remain underfunded.

Analysts warn that if the current trajectory continues, Bauchi State risks entrenching cycles of poverty, poor education, and weak healthcare systems. With more than half of its children unable to access basic education, the lack of capital investment in mass education, scholarships, and colleges could worsen the crisis of out-of-school children. In health, the refusal to release funds for hospitals and medical supplies raises fears about the state’s capacity to respond to emergencies or improve service delivery.

For many Bauchi residents, the message in the numbers is clear: while politicians enjoy vehicles, allowances, and luxury office furniture, schools remain empty, hospitals are under-equipped, and young people are abandoned without hope.