By Clifford Ndujihe
Nigeria’s education sector is facing a severe crisis, with 27 years of underfunding taking a devastating toll on the system. Despite recommendations from UNESCO and the Nigerian government’s own policy, the education sector has consistently received less than 10% of the national budget.
Key Findings:
1. Low Budget Allocation: The highest budget allocation to education since 1999 was 10.77% in 2006, falling short of the recommended 26%.
2. Cumulative Underfunding: Over 27 years, the education sector has received only 6.93% of the national budget, totaling N16.105 trillion ($49.641 billion).
3. Shortfall: If the government had met the 26% benchmark, the sector would have received an additional N44.357 trillion ($173.65 billion).
Consequences:
1. Inadequate Infrastructure: Schools lack basic facilities, including classrooms, libraries, and laboratories.
2. Poor Teacher Training: Teachers are not adequately trained, leading to subpar education quality.
3. Corruption: Extortion and bribery are rampant, with students and parents often forced to pay for services that should be free.
4. Brain Drain: Many Nigerians are seeking education abroad, leading to a brain drain and loss of talent.
Expert Insights:
1. Professor Chidi Nzeadibe: “The poor allocation to education is a retrogressive approach… Education is key to achieving other Sustainable Development Goals.”
2. Professor Ifeanyi Enete: “No country has ever developed above her educational system… The 7.08% allocation is a far cry from what the sector needs.”
3. Dr. Sola Adedeji: “The allocation of 7.08% is woefully inadequate… The government must prioritize education and increase the allocation to meet the 26% benchmark.”
Recommendations:
1. Increase Budget Allocation: Gradually increase the budget allocation to education to meet the 26% benchmark.
2. Efficient Resource Utilization: Ensure allocated funds are efficiently utilized, with a focus on effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
3. Public-Private Partnerships: Foster partnerships to leverage additional resources and expertise for education development.
4. Comprehensive Reforms: Implement comprehensive education sector reforms to address underlying challenges and improve the quality of education.
