The Niger State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, has strongly refuted allegations that her ministry deliberately withheld sponsorship funds for the state’s basketball team participating in notable basketball championship in Lagos.
In an official statement released by the ministry’s Information Officer, Priscilla Nagarta Tumaka, the commissioner labelled the accusations as completely false and misleading.
Dr. Mohammed clarified that while Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago had approved the budget for the team’s sponsorship, the actual funds were never disbursed to the ministry for use.
This factual position contradicts circulating claims that suggested improper fund management by the education ministry.
The commissioner further revealed that tournament organisers had already made comprehensive provisions covering all essential needs for participating teams, including accommodation, feeding, and transportation.
To address the controversy, the ministry has constituted an investigative committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the allegations and identify any parties responsible for spreading misinformation or potential mismanagement.
The commissioner warned that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against anyone found culpable of misconduct.
Reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to transparency, Dr. Mohammed emphasized its dedication to supporting both academic and extracurricular activities, including sports development across Niger State.
She assured stakeholders that the ministry maintains strict accountability standards in all its operations and programs.
The commissioner appealed to the public to disregard the unfounded allegations, describing them as malicious attempts to tarnish the reputation of the education ministry and its leadership.
She reiterated the administration’s focus on providing quality education and creating opportunities for students to excel in various fields, including sporting competitions such as the basketball championship at national and international levels.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
