By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Government has been berated for embarking on the construction of structure for Oil and Gas Academy, Alkaleri with the sum of N6b rather than improve on education, health, agriculture and other sectors.
The condemnation was made by the State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), as contained in a statement by the State Secretary, Abdulazeez Haruna copies of which were made available to Journalists in Bauchi on Wednesday.
The statement reads: Bauchi State Chapter of PRP is compelled to express its outrage and utter dismay regarding the Bauchi State Government’s decision to allocate a staggering N6 billion for the construction of an Oil and Gas Academy.”
The PRP stated that,”This ill-conceived project stands as yet another white elephant initiative that demonstrates the state government’s disconnection from the real needs and priorities of the Bauchi populace.”
According to the party, “The idea of establishing an Oil and Gas Academy amidst the glaring inadequacies plaguing our educational institutions and healthcare facilities is not only ill-conceived but also reflects a profound disconnect between the government and the everyday realities faced by the citizens of Bauchi State.”
It added that,”While our schools struggle with dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate teaching materials, and while our hospitals remain under-resourced and ill-equipped, the present administration seems intent on funneling billions into a venture that, quite frankly, lacks both feasibility and necessity.”
“Let us be clear: the so-called Kolmani Oil Field, which has been pitched as a transformative development for our state, is nothing more than a mirage—a dream that has yet to materialize. Investing colossal sums into an academy predicated on an uncertain and largely speculative industry raises serious questions about the long-term vision and commitment of this administration to the socioeconomic betterment of our citizens,” The party stressed.
According to the PRP, “It is deeply troubling that the government would choose to prioritize such a venture while critical sectors such as education and healthcare remain neglected. Children in urban and rural communities alike are deprived of the quality education they deserve.”
It lamented that,”Hospitals are lacking essential supplies, equipment, and basic care, jeopardizing the lives of countless citizens. Yet, in the face of these pressing challenges, our leaders have decided that an academy for an unproven oil and gas field is more urgent than empowering our youth or providing healthcare.”
The PRP stressed that,”It is the unequivocal responsibility of any government to focus on initiatives that yield tangible benefits for its populace, rather than grandiose schemes that risk becoming yet another forgotten project added to our list of abandoned infrastructures.”
According to the party, “The N6 billion earmarked for this academy could, instead, be directed towards repairing our schools, supplying our hospitals with essential resources, and developing other critical infrastructures that truly serve the needs of the people.”
“We call upon the Bauchi State government to abandon this misguided project and focus instead on rebuilding our educational and healthcare systems—because nothing is more valuable than investing in the future of our children and the health of our citizens,” It called.
The PRP added that, “The imposition of extravagant projects, seemingly designed to garner political favour rather than real benefit for the people, must end. N6 billion could transform the lives of our citizens if spent on infrastructure, healthcare, education, or sustainable community development.”
It concluded that,”Bauchi State does not need an Oil and Gas Academy; we need actionable plans that invest in our future and enrich the lives of every citizen. Therefore, the PRP stands firmly against this misguided expenditure and calls for accountability, transparency, and a return to put the needs of the people first.”
