Borno school named after Tinubu received N250m in public funds, group warns against giving politicians undue credit

A civic technology and accountability organisation, TrackaNG, has revealed that a total of N250 million in public funds was allocated for the construction of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Government Day Secondary School in Mafoni, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State.

The disclosure was made in a short report released on Friday, November 6, 2026, in which the organisation warned against presenting the project as a personal contribution by any politician or public officeholder, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE FUNDING

According to TrackaNG, N100 million was allocated to the project in 2024, while another N150 million was provided in the 2025 Borno State budget .

The organisation said its field monitoring confirmed that construction work has been carried out at the school.

The project includes a two-storey classroom block, which has been constructed and painted, with windows fitted. The report also identified the construction of a perimeter fence reinforced with wire fencing, installation of solar-powered streetlights, and an interlocked walkway at the front of the school.

THE WARNING

TrackaNG emphasized that the project was financed with taxpayers’ money and should not be presented as a personal contribution by any politician or public officeholder.

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“It is important to note that this project is funded with public funds and not personal funds,” the organisation stated .The disclosure raises questions about transparency and accountability in the implementation of government-funded projects, particularly where public infrastructure is named after political officeholders.

THE BROADER CONTEXT

The school was inaugurated by President Tinubu in December 2025 during a visit to Borno State. At the time, it was described as one of over 100 mega schools constructed by the Zulum administration across the state .

The naming of public institutions after sitting presidents is a common practice in Nigeria, but it has increasingly become a subject of debate.

Critics argue that it conflates public investment with personal philanthropy, while supporters say it honours leaders who have contributed to development.

WHY IT MATTERS

The N250 million spent on the school is public money. It came from the budgets of Borno State, funded by allocations from the Federation Account and internally generated revenue.

It is not a gift from the President. It is not a personal project.TrackaNG’s intervention is a reminder that taxpayers deserve to know how their money is spent, and that politicians should not be allowed to claim credit for projects they did not personally fund.

For the people of Mafoni, the school is a welcome development. But for accountability advocates, it is a case study in the importance of distinguishing between public investment and political branding. ValidViewNetwork reports.