The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticized the Federal and state governments for
their 2025 education budgets, describing the allocations as a stark reflection of their disregard for the
education sectors importance.
In his budget presentation to the National Assembly on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu unveiled the
2025 spending plan titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” with a total of
N49.70tn. Out of this, only N3.52tn—seven percent—was allocated to education, covering Universal
Basic Education and nine new higher institutions.
This allocation falls significantly below the 26 percent benchmark recommended by UNESCO and
Nigeria’s National Policy on Education. Similarly, it does not meet the World Bank suggested annual
allocation of 20–30 percent for education. Eighteen states, including Lagos (6.93 percent), Delta (6.89
percent), and Bayelsa (6.83 percent), allocated less than the UNESCO recommendation. Other states,
such as Plateau (11 percent), Ebonyi (17.68 percent), Katsina (14 percent), Bauchi (15 percent), and
Sokoto (25 percent), also fell short. States like Oyo (21.44 percent), Nasarawa (20.4 percent), and Abia
(20 percent) came closer but still failed to meet the benchmark.
ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed disappointment, stating that the
allocations demonstrate the governments’ lack of commitment to revitalizing the education sector. He
noted that while the Federal Government’s N3.52tn allocation may appear significant, it represents the
same seven percent as in previous years.
Prof. Osodeke highlighted the dire financial challenges facing Nigerian universities, such as skyrocketing
electricity costs that have risen from N20m to nearly N300m and the worsening exchange rate, which
has eroded the value of allocated funds. He also raised concerns about the Federal Government's
failure to disburse previously budgeted funds for education. “The government allocated N300bn for
university revitalization in 2023, but as we approach 2025, that money is yet to be released. How can we
trust that this new budget will be implemented?” he asked. ASUU’s criticism underscores the growing
concerns about the neglect of Nigeria’s education sector, which experts warn could have far-reaching
consequences for the nation’s development and future workforce.
BUDGET 2025: 7% Allocation Significantly below Benchmark by UNESCO,World Bank- ASUU
