Nigeria’s education funding below UNESCO benchmark, says minister

Nigeria's education sector is grappling with persistent underfunding, with government allocations hovering between 5% and 8% of the national budget, significantly short of the 15% to 20% benchmark recommended by UNESCO. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, expressed concern that this chronic shortfall hampers crucial infrastructure development, research initiatives, and access to higher education.

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Federal allocations to education have historically hovered between 5 per cent and 8 per cent of the national budget, far below the UNESCO-recommended 15-20 per cent. As a result, infrastructure decays, laboratories lack equipment, and libraries cannot subscribe to modern journals.

Alausa detailed the consequences of this inadequate funding during an event marking the 65th anniversary of Obafemi Awolowo University. He noted that the persistent underfunding results in decaying infrastructure, poorly equipped laboratories, and libraries unable to subscribe to modern journals. These issues collectively undermine the quality of education and research within the country's tertiary institutions.

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Nigeria has over 200 universities, but our carrying capacity is far below demand. Over 2 million qualified candidates apply for less than 500,000 university spaces annually. This is a ticking time bomb.

Compounding the funding crisis is the widening gap between the demand for university education and the available admission spaces. Nigeria has over 200 universities, but their collective carrying capacity is insufficient for the more than 2 million qualified candidates who apply annually for less than 500,000 available spots. The minister described this situation as a "ticking time bomb."

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There is a gap between what our universities teach and what the economy needs. Many graduates leave with certificates but without critical thinking, digital skills, or entrepreneurial competence.

Furthermore, the sector suffers from a mismatch between the skills acquired by graduates and the demands of the labor market. Many graduates lack critical thinking, digital, and entrepreneurial competencies essential for the modern economy. This skills gap is exacerbated by a significant "brain drain," as Nigeria's best lecturers and brightest graduates increasingly seek opportunities abroad in Europe, North America, and the Gulf, representing a substantial loss of talent.

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Our best lecturers and brightest graduates are leaving in droves for Europe, North America and the Gulf. This is a hemorrhage of talent.