Professor Edith Olofunmilola Olorunsola of Ekiti State University (EKSU) has urged the Federal Government to increase its education sector budget.
Prof. Olorunsola expressed concern that the N3.52 trillion allocated to education in the 2025 national budget, which represents just seven percent of the total budget, falls far below the 26 percent recommended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). She argued that addressing funding and infrastructure challenges in Nigeria’s education sector requires the government to meet UNESCO’s 26 percent budget recommendation.
She made these statements during her 89th inaugural lecture at EKSU, titled “Revitalisation of Nigerian Universities: A Fulcrum for Workers’ Job Satisfaction and Performance.”
In her lecture, she called for both government and private sector support to boost funding for university infrastructure and research. She also highlighted the need for periodic salary reviews and performance-based bonuses to attract and retain top academic talents.
“These measures can help reduce the brain-drain that plagues the university system, improving service delivery in the sector,” she said.
Prof. Olorunsola emphasized that revitalising the university system requires collective effort. “It’s not just the government’s responsibility but also that of NGOs, alumni associations, philanthropists, and international bodies,” she said. “The government must prioritise education in its budget to meet UNESCO’s recommended 26 percent allocation.”
She also advocated for Nigerian universities to invest in modern classrooms, research laboratories, and technology-enhanced offices to create a better working environment for their staff.
After the lecture, Prof. Olorunsola reflected on the significance of the event, calling it a milestone in her academic career. “It’s a great achievement, and I give all the glory to God for making it possible,” she said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of EKSU, Prof. Joseph Ayodele, praised Prof. Olorunsola for her exemplary contribution to the university and stressed the importance of action on the points raised in her lecture to enhance the nation’s education system.
