THE ROLE OF BURSARY DEPARTMENTS IN ENUGU STATE IN FACILITATING THE ALLOCATION AND DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS THAT ARE CRUCIAL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

Abstract

This study examines the role of bursary departments in Enugu State in facilitating the allocation and disbursement of funds for infrastructure projects that are crucial for sustainable development in educational institutions. Bursary departments serve as administrative hubs responsible for managing financial resources aimed at enhancing school facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and ICT centers. The research explores the processes, challenges, and effectiveness of bursary departments in ensuring that funds are appropriately allocated and disbursed to support infrastructural expansion and maintenance. Utilizing a qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews with bursary officials, school administrators, and policymakers, complemented by document analysis of funding allocation records. Findings reveal that while bursary departments play a pivotal role in mobilizing resources and monitoring their use, several challenges hinder optimal performance, including delays in disbursement, inadequate funding, misappropriation, and bureaucratic bottlenecks. These issues compromise the timely implementation of infrastructural projects and threaten the goals of sustainable development within the education sector. The study underscores the necessity for transparent procedures, capacity building among bursary staff, and enhanced accountability mechanisms to maximize resource utilization. It concludes that effective management of funds by bursary departments is instrumental in fostering infrastructural growth, improving learning environments, and ensuring sustainable educational development in Enugu State. The findings have policy implications for strengthening administrative frameworks to promote efficient fund management for educational infrastructure projects.