St. Peter’s College (Junior) in Olomore, Ogun State, has become the center of a growing transparency scandal. Despite reports that ₦127.6 million was disbursed in December 2024 for a new classroom block, a recent monitoring visit reveals that no construction has commenced, leaving students to learn in crumbling, hazardous structures.
A School in Decay Despite Massive Funding
The current state of St. Peter’s College is described as deplorable and dilapidated. Students are currently forced to occupy worn-out classrooms that are no longer fit for a safe learning environment. While the school faces total physical collapse, financial records tell a different story of investment.
Data shows that the funds were reportedly paid to STILL EARTH LTD for the construction of a new block. However, an on-site inspection by Tracka, a public expenditure monitoring organization, confirmed a total lack of activity. There is no evidence of mobilization, no construction materials, and no groundwork being laid, raising urgent questions about the whereabouts of the ₦127.6 million.
The Mandate Gap: Why a Marine Agency?
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the report is the agency responsible for the project. The contract was captured under the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
Critics point out that this agency’s primary mandate has nothing to do with basic education infrastructure. This mandate jumping has sparked a debate over accountability, as the Federal Ministry of Education continues to face underfunding while unrelated agencies are allocated hundreds of millions for school renovations.
“The allocation of education infrastructure projects to agencies outside their core mandate raises critical accountability questions. Public funds must work for the people, especially for the education of our children,” Tracka stated.
Calls for Anti-Graft Investigation
Despite the Ogun State Government budgeting billions for school upgrades across the state, St. Peter’s College appears to have fallen through the cracks of both state and federal oversight.
In response to the stagnation, there is a mounting call for the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intervene. Advocates are demanding for full disclosure of the contract status and payment records from the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, an immediate investigation into why the disbursed funds have not translated into visible progress, and the immediate mobilization of the contractor to the site to ensure the safety of students and teachers.
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