Gombe State officials are being urged to significantly enhance allocations for education, as experts believe a stronger investment in this sector is essential for securing international grants and fostering sustainable development.
Martha Daniel, the state Officer for BudgIT Foundation (Tracka), advocates for a strategic prioritization of education alongside health and agriculture to maximize the state’s opportunities for financial support from organizations like the World Bank.
In a statement released to journalists, Daniel underscored education as a central pillar in the state’s development strategy, especially for securing performance-based grants from international organizations like the World Bank.
“Gombe State must prioritize health, education, and agriculture in the 2025 budget to unlock more grants from international partners,” Daniel said. She emphasized the need for a more structured approach, suggesting that replicating the annual operational plan template used in the health sector could streamline planning and implementation across education as well.
While Gombe allocated N22.7 billion to education in 2023, Daniel argued that more targeted funding is necessary to ensure broader access to quality education, especially through gender-sensitive budgeting. Increasing budget allocations for educational initiatives would enhance not only the infrastructure but also the training and resources available to teachers and students, particularly in underserved areas.
“Additionally, the state should increase funding for education initiatives,” Daniel added, stressing the importance of aligning the education budget with international standards to ensure the state remains eligible for critical grants and international partnerships.
By prioritizing education and improving its budgetary framework, Gombe State stands to enhance its education system, ultimately positioning itself as a leader in regional development and a key player in global educational funding opportunities.
