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Nigeria’s Spending On Education Above 26% UNESCO’s Recommendation -FG

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4 years ago

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The Federal Government has admitted that the education sector in the country is facing enormous challenges but insisted that the quantum spending on education in Nigeria is far above the stated 26 per cent recommended budgetary allocation to the sector.
This came as the United Nations (UN), has tasked Nigeria to ensure that educational institutions are made safe and affordable for children in the country.
Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Opiah, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Andrew David Adejo and Mamadou Lamine Sow, Senior Education Advisor, united Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), spoke on Thursday in Abuja at Transforming Education Summit: Second National Consultation organised by National Universities Commission (NUC) in partnership with UNICEF and UNESCO.
Opiah in his brief remark at the event, which is a pre-UN Summit, acknowledged that the challenges facing the education sector in the country were enormous, requiring all hands to be on deck to address.
He commended the contributions of the global stakeholders, especially, the World Bank, and United Nations agencies including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and UNESCO among others, to the development of the education sector in Nigeria, adding that the summit was the right step in the right direction.
Following disruptions in the education sector by the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations Secretary-General is convening a Transforming Education Summit (TES) in September 2022, aimed at mobilising action, ambition, solidarity, and solutions to transform education between now and 2030.
The Permanent Secretary, Adejo in his presentation entitled “Transforming Education in Nigeria: TES and beyond, said the neglect of the sector over time led to the unimaginable crisis being witnessed currently.
He disclosed that the quantum spending on the education sector in Nigeria, was far above the recommended 26 per cent by UNESCO, for countries to allocate between 15 to 26 per cent of their national budget to education.
Adejo argued that education is on the concurrent list with responsibility for basic education largely in the hands of State Governments, while the Federal Government provides intervention through Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) among others, saying the spending by States and intervention at the Federal level are not reflected in the national budget.
He, however, noted that public financing was no longer sustainable, urging the private sector to continue to invest in education in Nigeria.

On the transformation of the teaching profession, Adejo disclosed that President MuhammaduBuhari had already approved robust incentives for teachers and students studying education in universities and colleges of education in Nigeria.

He particularly revealed that the Federal Government is doing all it could to ensure that scholarship awards to students studying education courses in tertiary Institutions come into effect in 2023.

He noted that there was the need to ensure full recovery from COVID-19 education disruptions, address educational exclusion, safety and health, renew curricula and pedagogies while also steering the digital transformation for just and equitable learning.

Senior Education Advisor, UNESCO Abuja Regional Office, MamadouLamine Sow, on his part, urged the Federal Government to ensure that children in Nigeria are safe on their way to and from school and while they are at school.

Sow said: “Our collective commitment and action are urgently needed to wipe out the scourge of school attacks inNigeria.

“We must make education affordable for all learners – the poor, vulnerable, excluded, and marginalized children, through the removal of both direct, indirect and opportunity costs of education.

“Nigeria must mobilise and significantly increase the part of domestic resources allocated to education and ensure that funds are used efficiently and effectively to support the disadvantaged children, to develop and maintain school infrastructures, and to support the quality of teaching and learning for better learning outcomes.

Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr Chris Maiyaki, said the inclusive national consultation, in advance of the September 2022 Transforming Education Summit, is necessary to develop national statements to feed into the Summit.

He also tasked stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity to renew commitment to the Education 2030 agenda by mobilising cross-sectoral stakeholders in support of education.

 

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Education

K-SAFE Calls for Increased Education Funding, Transparency in Kano

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6 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) has called for sustained funding releases, improved transparency, and stronger focus on learning outcomes to consolidate recent gains in the education sector in Kano State.
The appeal was made by Dr. Auwalu Halilu, Co-Chair representing civil society organisations, during a goodwill message at the 2026 Education Sector Joint Steering Committee Meeting held in the state.
Addressing the Commissioner for Education, committee members, development partners, and other stakeholders, Dr. Halilu expressed appreciation for the opportunity given to civil society groups to participate in the high-level policy dialogue.
He commended the Kano State Government and relevant agencies for progress made in expanding access to education, strengthening teacher recruitment, and advancing non-formal and second-chance education programmes.
Dr. Halilu, however, stressed the importance of ensuring consistent release of funds to support ongoing reforms and programmes aimed at improving education delivery. He also urged authorities to enhance transparency in the implementation of education initiatives and place greater emphasis on measurable learning outcomes.
He further highlighted the need to promote safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments, particularly for vulnerable children, to ensure equitable access to quality education.
Isa Kaita College
According to him, sustained collaboration between government, civil society organisations, and development partners remains essential to strengthening education systems and improving outcomes for learners.
Dr. Halilu reaffirmed K-SAFE’s commitment to constructive engagement and accountability, noting that civil society organisations are ready to work closely with stakeholders to support continuous improvement in education delivery in the state and across Nigeria.
He said the forum remains dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive education policies that will benefit all children.
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Education

Rotary Clubs Advance Literacy, Hygiene, Others at New Haven School

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6 days ago

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February 16, 2026

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The Rotary Club of New Haven, in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Enugu City Centre and Enugu Metropolis, alongside the Rotaract Club of New Haven and the Interact Club of New Haven, has launched a targeted initiative to promote literacy, hygiene, and career development among students of New Haven Secondary School, Enugu.
The programme, themed “Our Youths, Our Future: Bringing Back the Reading Culture,” engaged students, educators, and community stakeholders through structured learning sessions and practical workshops.
A highlight of the initiative was the reactivation of the school’s Interact Club, with 36 students formally inducted into Rotary’s youth arm. Additionally, 216 students received curated reading materials designed to strengthen literacy and critical thinking skills.
Students also participated in career-focused seminars and practical sessions covering hygiene protocols and digital research skills.
Dr. Chukwudi Madu led demonstrations on proper handwashing techniques, emphasized the role of water in maintaining health, and provided guidance on medical career pathways.
Other facilitators addressed opportunities in art and design, laboratory sciences, and strategic career planning tailored to students’ aptitudes.
Dr. Chukwudi Madu demonstrates proper handwashing techniques to students during the hygiene and health session organized by the Rotary Clubs at New Haven Secondary School.
Complementing the student-centered activities, the clubs conducted a Peace and Conflict Resolution Management session for teachers and staff.
Teachers, staff, and Rotary facilitators of New Haven Secondary School pose for a group photo following the Peace and Conflict Resolution Management session led by Past President Tony Eze and Past Assistant Governor Stella Eneh.
In addition, the clubs donated books to the school library and presented recognition gifts to the principal and vice principal overseeing the Interact Club.
In his response, the principal of New Haven Secondary School, Mr. Charles Obetta, expressed appreciation to the Rotary Clubs for their generosity and urged continued support for future school initiatives, a commitment the clubs have assured.
Organizers described the initiatives as part of a broader strategic framework aimed at advancing education, youth development, and community resilience in Enugu.
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Education

RSU VC  tasks new Deans on quality leadership, team work 

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2 weeks ago

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February 9, 2026

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The Vice chancellor of the Rivers state university (RSU)Nkpolu Oroworukwu port Harcourt,prof Isaac Zeb -Obipi has tasked the newly inaugurated el Deans to be agents of positive leadership and foster team work in other to promote unity across their various facilities.
 The Vice-Chancellor stated this while inaugurating the newly elected eleven  Deans of the university held recently in port Harcourt and expressed his appreciation to the Committee of Provosts and Deans, led by the Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Kenneth S. Ordu, for their unwavering support since he assumed office, noting that such commitment was deeply valued.
He also commended the Electoral Committee chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Blessing R. Jaja, for conducting a free and noted that the committee addressed all issues and concerns with professionalism, a development which has informed Management’s decision to produce formal Electoral Guidelines and Code of Conduct in a Handbook for use in future elections.
The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the newly elected Deans on their emergence, describing their success as a clear indication of the confidence reposed in them by members of their respective faculties.
 He urged them to provide quality leadership, foster unity, uphold mutual respect regardless of status, and ensure inclusive administration in the discharge of their duties.
The newly inaugurated Deans are Prof. John Ohaka (Faculty of Administration and Management), Prof. David Kiin-Kabari (Faculty of Agriculture), Prof. Barigbon G. Nsereka (Faculty of Communication and Media Studies), Prof. Isaac N. Dokubo (Faculty of Education), Prof. Enwuso Aleruchi Igwe (Faculty of Engineering), Prof. Paulinus W. Ihua (Faculty of Environmental Sciences), Prof. Jones M. Jaja (Faculty of Humanities), Prof. Grace Akolokwu (Faculty of Law), Prof. Ebirien-Agana S. Bartimaues (Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science), Prof. Ndokiari Boisa (Faculty of Science), and Prof. Emmanuel B. Okemini (Faculty of Social Sciences).
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the oath of office by the Director of Legal Services, Barr. Tamuno Williams, followed by the signing of the Dean’s Register and presentation of appointment letters to the Deans by the Vice-Chancellor.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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