Our reporter
Edo State Commissioner for Education, Joan Oviawe, has denied any involvement in the alleged mismanagement of a $75 million World Bank grant aimed at reforming the State’s education system during Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
Oviawe made her position clear during an online interview, addressing speculation that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may interrogate or arrest her over the funds.
Critics had accused Oviawe and other appointees of corruption and recommended that they be investigated in connection with the grant. However, the Commissioner firmly refuted these claims, explaining that the World Bank grant was not meant for building infrastructure, nor was it under her direct control.
“It took us over a year to write the proposal for the $75 million from the World Bank,” Oviawe said, elaborating on the complexities of the process.
She further clarified that the programme, known as “Programme for Result,” required that the work be completed before any funds would be released.
She emphasised that the grant was not intended for physical infrastructure but focused on areas such as pedagogy and integrating technology into education to enhance teaching and learning.
Oviawe dismissed allegations that the funds had been misused, explaining that the World Bank does not provide money directly to sub-national governments, and as Commissioner, she had no control over the grant’s allocation.
“I have nothing to do with it,” she stated, pointing out that the funds were not disbursed by her office.
When asked about the possibility of being called in by the EFCC, Oviawe remained unfazed, asserting, “I am not afraid. What am I afraid of?
Unless they want to victimise me. Can you put me in jail over an amount of money I am not in charge of?” She added that she remained in Benin City and was determined to complete her work.
Oviawe expressed frustration with the public’s tendency to label government officials as corrupt, saying, “It is disgusting to see how people working in government are often branded as thieves or corrupt individuals.”
She also mentioned her desire to move on from her role in November 2024, reiterating that there was no basis for any accusations against her regarding the $75 million grant.
The Commissioner further highlighted the Obaseki administration’s intervention in over 600 public schools but reiterated that her ministry’s role was to implement government policies rather than handle construction or major infrastructure projects.
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