FG proposes N2.4 trillion education budget to tackle teacher shortages, infrastructure deficits
Nigeria's Education Minister Tunji Alausa presented a N2.4 trillion 2026 budget proposal to the National Assembly, prioritizing teacher shortages, infrastructure deficits, and skills development through the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI). The budget allocates 40.3% (N966.9 billion) to universities, 26.4% (N633.2 billion) to parastatals, and 10.7% (N256 billion) to polytechnics, while Unity Colleges receive 6.4% (N155.3 billion). Despite a 2025 capital budget performance of only 5.8% disbursement (N19.5 billion out of N335.2 billion), the ministry projects a 2026 capital allocation of N257.8 billion. Key focus areas include Technical and Vocational Education (TVET), Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical sciences (STEMM), integrating out-of-school children, and expanding girl-child education. The proposal addresses severe infrastructure deficits in 13,921 public secondary schools, many Unity Colleges over 50 years old, and insecurity challenges in basic education.