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2013Budget: Nigerians Hail High Education Vote
Stakeholders in the education sector yesterday lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for giving the sector the highest budgetary allocation in the 2013 Appropriation Bill presented on Wednesday.
Jonathan had proposed a N4.9 trillion budget to the joint session of the National Assembly for approval.
The proposal allotted N426.5 billion to education while defence came second with N348.9 billion and the police had the third highest share of N319 billion.
A former Minister of Education, Mrs Chinwe Obaji, told newsmen that the move was “a right step in the right direction’’.
She, however, called for effective measures in monitoring the use of the funds.
Also speaking, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, immediate past President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), expressed the hope that the education vote, if approved, would turn around the fortunes of the sector.
“However, we would need time to look at how the budget to the sector got to be one of the highest beneficiary, where it should be channelled, the implementation, how it should be managed and what it portends to the sector.
“It is only when we study all these details that we would be able to get a better view of how this would transform the system for the advancement of the country’s economy,” he said.
Dr Olubunmi Ajibade, a Senior Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, said the budget, if approved, would be one of the best things that had happened to the sector in recent times.
“We have been advocating crucial funding of the sector because that is the only way to restore its glory.
“There is no way we can talk about national development without sound education.
Director, Centre for Environment and Science Education, at the university, Mr Ademola Onifade, told newsmen that the “jumbo allocation’’ would improve the standard of education in the country.
For Head of Department, Mass Communication Department, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Mr Ifedayo Daramola, the allocation to the education sector was a demonstration of the interest the president had in developing the country’s education.
“Definitely, it will bring a lot of improvement to the sector. This shows that our president knows the importance of education’’.
In his contribution, Prof. Ayo Fadahunsi, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun, said the allocation would enable the government to build more hostels and lecture halls in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, also lauded Jonathan for the initiative, saying the funds would help to improve infrastructure in the institutions.
Similarly, some financial experts yesterday said that the 2013 budget would impact positively on the financial sector if well implemented.
They told newsmen in separate interviews in Lagos that proper execution of the 2013 budget would impact on all aspects of the national economy.
Managing Director of Boaz Management and Financial Strategies, Mr Oluwole Ibikunle, said that the capital and recurrent expenditure estimates in the 2013 budget proposal were better than those of 2012.
“ If the N1.54 trillion allocated for capital projects can be judiciously used, more industries will be established and hence, more job opportunities for our youths,“ he said.
Ibikunle said that although the 75 dollars per barrel crude oil price benchmark was commendable, government should be careful of the sudden changes in international oil price.
General Manager, Capital Trust Broker Ltd., Mr Abiodun Omojokun,, said that the 2013 budget should focus on improving the Human Development Index.
General Manager, Apt Securities and Funds Ltd., Mr Peter Kanayo, said that there was the need for the private-public sector collaboration to make a success of the 2013 fiscal proposal.
Kanayo also said that full implementation of the proposed budget estimate would restore confidence of foreign investors in the economy.
He commended the Federal Government for planning to invest more in the educational sector than before.
“The ailing educational system has made so many Nigerians to take their children aboard to study to the detriment of our own educational development, “ he said.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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