Concerns As Education Budget Stagnates At 6-7% Over 5 Years

…Students, others reject 6% funding, warn low education budget threatens development

Stakeholders in the education sector have expressed concern over Nigeria’s persistent underfunding of education, warning that allocating just 6–7 per cent of the national budget to the sector over the past five years could undermine the country’s long-term development goals.

The stakeholders spoke in separate interviews with LEADERSHIP following the 2026 proposed federal budget submitted to the National Assembly.

The budget proposal stands at over N58.18 trillion, with education allocated only N3.52 trillion, representing about 6 per cent.

With UNESCO recommending that governments invest at least 15–20 per cent of their national budgets in education, stakeholders said Nigeria’s current spending falls far short of what is required to equip young people with the skills needed to drive economic growth and social progress.

LEADERSHIP observed that in 2022, the total federal budget was about N17.13 trillion, with education receiving N1.18 trillion, representing 7.2 per cent. In 2023, the total federal budget stood at about N21.83 trillion, while education received approximately N1.54 trillion, or 7 per cent.

In 2024, the total federal budget was about N27.5 trillion, with education allocated around N2.18 trillion, representing approximately 7.9 per cent.

In 2025, the total budget rose to about N54.99 trillion, with education receiving roughly N3.52 trillion, or 7.3 per cent.

Commenting on the trend, Dr Sylvanus Ugoh, chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, said the federal government’s allocation of about 6 per cent to education confirms a deepening crisis in the sector.

He pointed out that such funding is far below the 15–26 per cent benchmark required to address decaying infrastructure and systemic challenges across Nigerian universities.

According to him, the 2026 budget fails to offer any meaningful improvement, stressing that no country can develop beyond the strength of its education system.

He urged the government to recognise education as the foundation of national development.

“There is no way 6 per cent allocated to education can address our educational needs. It shows that the government has not fully committed to tackling the decay of infrastructure in Nigerian universities, especially when this allocation is meant for the entire education sector.

“By the time the funds are broken down, it becomes clear that nothing has changed. We expected the 2026 budget to go further in addressing some of these issues, at least to give the education sector a facelift. However, with about N3 trillion, it will not go far.

“We continue to push and hope that the government will understand the importance of education to Nigerians. No country develops beyond the capacity of its education system. Education sets the pace for development in any nation.”

For his part, the spokesperson of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Adeyemi Samson, condemned the current 6 per cent allocation, describing it as inadequate.

While acknowledging the government’s positive interventions in education, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) and the reduction in industrial actions, he urged the authorities, including the Ministry of Education and the Presidency, to increase funding to the sector. Samson stressed the need for realistic support to ensure adequate infrastructure, research grants and subventions that meet international standards.

“There is no way a student organisation will accept a 6 per cent allocation to education,” he said.

“Our immediate step is to engage relevant government institutions, particularly the Ministry of Education, the minister and other stakeholders who can influence change.

“We also plan to reach out to the Presidency, especially the President, to appeal for an increase beyond the current 6 per cent. We commend the government for initiatives such as NELFund and the noticeable reduction in strikes across universities and other institutions since this administration began.

“While figures are important, proper implementation of allocated funds is equally critical, as this has not always been the case in the past. Education needs realistic funding to cover subvention, research grants and infrastructure, including laboratories that meet international standards.

“We will ensure that our voices are heard by the relevant authorities, especially the Minister of Education, to push for a swift review and meaningful increase in the current allocation.”

The same reservation over the low funding of education was expressed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, executive director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC). He said Nigeria’s proposed education budget falls short of citizens’ expectations.

According to him, CISLAC continues to advocate increased funding in line with UNESCO’s recommendation that at least 20 per cent of the national budget be allocated to education to ensure quality learning, reduce poverty and inequality, boost productivity and create employment.

“CISLAC is concerned that the current education budget proposal does not meet citizens’ expectations. We have consistently advocated for increased budgetary allocation to education in Nigeria in line with UNESCO’s recommendation of 20 per cent of the national budget.

“This is necessary to ensure quality education, reduce poverty and inequality, improve productivity and create employment.

“We are witnessing persistent underfunding of education in Nigeria, which has resulted in poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, weak learning outcomes and rising youth unemployment,” he stated.

Rafsanjani emphasised that quality education is crucial to human capital development and economic growth, noting that countries that invest more in teaching, research and skills development tend to grow faster, attract more investment, and reduce unemployment and conflict.

He added that adequate education funding would enable Nigeria to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and Africa’s Agenda 2063, close gender gaps, support marginalised groups such as rural communities, persons with disabilities and conflict-affected populations, and promote inclusive education.

“As an active UNESCO member, Nigeria must honour its commitments. Without prioritising education in the national budget, the country will struggle to address challenges in science, technology and the creative industries, which are critical for job creation for young people,” he said.

“CISLAC urges the National Assembly to implement UNESCO’s recommendations by increasing budgetary allocations to education, as underfunding weakens governance, fuels inequality and undermines sustainable national development.”

Efforts to obtain a response from the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement were unsuccessful as of press time.

The senior special assistant to the president on Students’ Engagement, Hon. Comrade Sunday Asefon, did not respond to requests sent to him.