Osun Spends More on Foreign Trips Than Education and Water in Six Months

Between January and June 2025, the Osun State government spent N3.1 billion on international travel, exceeding what was allocated to key sectors like education, water supply, and healthcare within the same period.

The spending, revealed in the state’s budget performance report for the first half of the year, shows that N2.854 billion went to general international travel, while N256 million was used for travel related to training abroad. This has sparked concern among residents and policy observers who question the government’s priorities at a time when the state still grapples with basic development needs.

The report also shows that refreshments and meals cost the state N1.674 billion during the six-month period. Sitting allowances and honorariums added another N702.8 million to the expenses.

While these figures reflect the cost of governance, a look at what was allocated to essential services paints a troubling picture. The Ministry of Water Resources, responsible for ensuring access to clean water, received N1.263 billion—less than half of what was used for overseas trips. The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), which handles primary education, got N2.094 billion, also falling short of the travel bill.

Healthcare did not fare better. The State Primary Healthcare Development Board received only N156 million between January and June—just about five percent of what was spent on foreign trips in the same period.

In addition to these expenses, Osun State also spent heavily on debt servicing. In six months, N12.097 billion was used to repay existing debts. That figure represents nearly 40 percent of the N30.5 billion generated internally during the half-year. Experts say this level of debt repayment is high and could limit future investments in infrastructure and services.

Education, though a stated priority for many administrations, received less attention in funding. Osun State University, Osogbo, recorded a half-year expenditure of N3.8 billion, while the University of Ilesa got N2.6 billion. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, was allocated N1.957 billion. Altogether, these three institutions received less funding than what was used to service debts in the same period.

As more people look closely at how government funds are being used, questions are growing about financial discipline in subnational governments. Economists warn that without a shift in spending habits, states like Osun could struggle to meet the needs of their citizens while piling up even more debt.