A review of Osun State’s 2025 half-year budget performance has revealed that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration spent a staggering N3.1 billion on international travels between January and June—an amount exceeding allocations to key sectors like basic education and water supply.
The document, analyzed by SaharaReporters, shows that N2.854 billion was spent under “international travels and transport (others),” while an additional N256 million went into “international travels and transport (training).”
These figures raise eyebrows, especially when juxtaposed with the underfunding of essential public services. For instance:
- The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), responsible for primary education, received N2.094 billion—less than the amount used for foreign trips.
- The Ministry of Water Resources got N1.263 billion, despite widespread issues with clean water access.
- The State Primary Healthcare Development Board received only N156 million, far below the amount allocated for international engagements.
Further analysis reveals additional expenditure of N1.674 billion on refreshments and meals, and N702.8 million on honorariums and sitting allowances.
Meanwhile, the state’s debt servicing burden loomed large, with N12.097 billion paid toward existing obligations—nearly 40% of the N30.5 billion generated internally during the first half of the year. That debt payment alone outpaced funding for all of Osun’s public tertiary institutions:
- Osun State University received N3.8 billion
- University of Ilesa got N2.6 billion
- Osun State Polytechnic, Iree had N1.957 billion
Economic experts and civil society actors are expressing growing concern over the state’s spending priorities. They warn that such lavish expenditure, in contrast with the state’s modest revenue profile and critical development needs, could worsen fiscal challenges and stall grassroots progress.
Critics argue that for a state still grappling with infrastructural deficits, educational gaps, and poor healthcare delivery, the current allocation pattern undermines both transparency and public trust.
Governor Adeleke’s administration is yet to officially respond to public concerns surrounding the report.
