Obi says Nigeria's education crisis stems from underfunding, not JSS/SSS split - cites 2026 budget's 6.17% allocation
Peter Obi says Nigeria's education crisis stems from chronic underfunding, not the JSS/SSS structure debate. Speaking last Friday, he noted the 2026 budget allocated only N3.52 trillion (6.17%) to education - down from 7.87% in 2025 and far below UNESCO's 15-20% recommendation. Obi argues Asian economies succeeded through sustained investment in curriculum, teachers and learning environments, not just structural changes. He criticized the FG's plan to phase out JSS/SSS separation, saying structure isn't the root problem.
This matters because over 20 million Nigerian children who start primary school never reach senior secondary - a direct result of chronic underfunding affecting infrastructure, teacher quality and learning conditions. As 2027 elections approach, Obi's critique challenges voters to look beyond structural reform promises and demand concrete education funding commitments from candidates.
The Minister of Education's proposed 12-4 model (12 years basic education before tertiary) was rejected by NUT precisely because structural changes won't improve outcomes without significantly increased funding for infrastructure, teacher recruitment and learning conditions. With education spending declining in the 2026 budget, parents and voters must ask: will candidates prioritize actual classroom investment over reform rhetoric?