As Nigeria’s state governors present their 2026 appropriation bills to their respective Houses of Assembly, education has emerged as one of the clearest indicators of policy priority, exposing sharp contrasts in commitment across the federation. An analysis of the budgets submitted so far reveals a widening divide between states that are investing heavily in education as a development strategy and those whose allocations fall dangerously below recommended standards, despite mounting learning crises nationwide.
Out of the 36 states, 34 governors have so far presented their 2026 budget proposals. While nearly all acknowledge education as critical to development, the figures suggest that this recognition has not translated into uniform financial commitment. In a country grappling with poor learning outcomes, decaying school infrastructure, and millions of out-of-school children, these disparities raise serious questions about the future of human capital development.
Anambra State stands out as the most ambitious investor in education for 2026, allocating 46.9 per cent of its N757 billion budget to the sector. This allocation places Anambra far above both national averages and international benchmarks, positioning education as the central pillar of the state’s development agenda. Analysts say such a commitment, if effectively implemented, could significantly improve school infrastructure, teacher quality, and student outcomes.
Enugu State follows with a strong showing, earmarking N522 billion for education out of its N1.62 trillion budget, representing 32.3 per cent. This allocation continues a consistent trend, as the state has devoted over 30 per cent of its budget to education in the past three fiscal years. The 2026 funding is expected to drive infrastructure upgrades, expand teacher recruitment, and sustain initiatives such as the Smart Green Schools programme, including a N30 billion provision for school feeding.
Kano State also demonstrated a notable commitment by allocating N405.3 billion, or 30 per cent of its N1.368 trillion budget, to education. In a state with one of the highest populations of out-of-school children in Nigeria, the allocation is seen as both a development necessity and a social intervention. Government officials have described education as a long-term response to poverty, insecurity, and youth unemployment.
Jigawa State followed closely, dedicating N234.48 billion to education, representing 26 per cent of its N901.84 billion budget. While smaller in absolute terms, the percentage allocation signals a deliberate effort to prioritise learning and skills development, particularly in basic and secondary education where enrolment and retention remain major challenges.
Kaduna State allocated N246.25 billion out of its N985 billion budget to education, amounting to 25 per cent. This meets international benchmarks, yet education stakeholders argue that the real test lies in whether the funding will address persistent issues such as overcrowded classrooms, inadequate school facilities, and the reintegration of thousands of out-of-school children, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas.
A group of states, including Abia and Taraba, allocated around 20 per cent of their total budgets to education. Abia set aside N203.2 billion from a N1.016 trillion budget, while Taraba earmarked N131.6 billion out of N650 billion. Although these figures meet the minimum recommended threshold, analysts warn that years of underfunding mean that such allocations may only slow, rather than reverse, educational decline.
Several other states Kogi, Katsina, Oyo, Nasarawa, Ogun and Kebbi allocated between 16 and 18 per cent of their budgets to education. These moderate allocations place them within acceptable global standards, but experts note that inflation, population growth, and rising operational costs could significantly erode their impact if spending is not carefully targeted.
At the lower end of the scale, Akwa Ibom and Imo states recorded the weakest commitments to education. Akwa Ibom allocated just N31.6 billion from its N1.39 trillion budget, representing 2.27 per cent, while Imo earmarked N60.623 billion out of N1.43 trillion, amounting to 4.24 per cent. Education advocates warn that such minimal investment risks deepening inequality and undermining long-term development prospects.
Other states, including Adamawa, Bayelsa, Delta, Gombe, Lagos, Niger and Zamfara, also failed to meet the UNESCO-recommended benchmark of 15 to 20 per cent of total public expenditure for education. These low allocations are particularly concerning given Nigeria’s status as the country with the highest number of out-of-school children globally.
In some states such as Cross River, Edo, Plateau, Yobe, Kwara and Ebonyi education funding is grouped under broader social services budgets that also include health, housing and social welfare. This accounting approach makes it difficult to determine the exact amount allocated solely to education, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Osun State approved a N723.4 billion budget for 2026, while Ekiti State proposed a N415.37 billion budget. However, detailed breakdowns of education allocations in both states have yet to be fully disclosed, limiting public scrutiny and informed debate on their education priorities.
Meanwhile, Borno and Rivers states are yet to present their 2026 appropriation bills. Given Borno’s post-conflict recovery challenges and Rivers’ political and administrative tensions, their eventual education allocations will be closely watched as indicators of policy direction and governance priorities.
Beyond headline figures, education experts caution that allocation size alone does not guarantee improved outcomes. Effective implementation, transparency, and targeted spending on teachers, infrastructure, curriculum reform, and access for vulnerable children are crucial. As Nigeria confronts a deepening education crisis, the 2026 state budgets offer a revealing snapshot of which governments are prepared to invest seriously in the future and which are not.
