Victoria Mbangwa
Nigeria’s Federal Government and 22 of its 36 states have allocated a combined N6.131 trillion to education in their proposed 2025 budgets, representing just 9.27 percent of their total projected expenditure of N66.111 trillion. This allocation starkly contrasts with global and national recommendations, highlighting a persistent gap in education funding across the country.
According to global benchmarks, UNESCO advises governments to allocate 26 percent of their budgets to education. The World Bank recommends a range of 20 to 30 percent, while Nigeria’s National Policy on Education mandates a minimum of 26 percent for federal and state budgets. However, the Federal Government’s allocation remains far below at 7.08 percent, with several states following a similar trend.
Among the 33 states that have presented their budgets, only four—Enugu (32.99 percent), Kano (31 percent), Jigawa (26.4 percent), and Kaduna (26.14 percent)—met or exceeded the 26 percent threshold set by UNESCO and Nigeria’s policy. Another four states, including Abia (20 percent) and Oyo (21.4 percent), managed to meet the World Bank’s lower benchmark of 20 percent.
The remaining states, including Lagos (6.93 percent), Delta (6.89 percent), and Bayelsa (6.83 percent), allocated far less, mirroring the Federal Government’s approach. These figures suggest a troubling trend, as states with significant economic influence, such as Lagos and Delta, fail to prioritize education adequately.
With Imo, Kwara, and Rivers yet to announce their 2025 budgets, education advocates hope for improved commitments. However, if current patterns persist, the nation risks undermining its long-term development goals by neglecting the education sector.
