Education Minister Pushes for Bigger Budget, Flags 3,500-Teacher Gap in Federal Schools

Story: Written by springnewsng February 27,2026
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has called on the National Assembly to raise education funding to at least 20% of the national budget, warning that deep teacher shortages, insecurity, and weak infrastructure are hurting learning outcomes nationwide.
Alausa made the appeal while defending the ministry’s 2026 budget before a joint sitting of the Senate and House Committees on Education. He said sustained investment is critical to reversing years of underfunding and aligns with benchmarks recommended by UNESCO.
The minister revealed that federal unity colleges alone face a shortage of over 3,500 teachers, with science, mathematics, and technical subjects worst hit. He warned that the deficit is undermining efforts to deliver quality education and produce globally competitive graduates.
Beyond staffing, Alausa raised alarms over school security, noting that many institutions lack perimeter fencing and stable electricity, making it difficult to deploy modern safety systems in areas affected by kidnapping and banditry.
He also highlighted shortages in classrooms, hostels, laboratories, and libraries, saying overcrowding and outdated facilities are limiting practical learning and research. Low ICT penetration, he added, remains a major setback, calling for increased investment in computers, internet access, and digital learning tools.
To improve student support, the minister proposed a ring-fenced scholarship fund to guarantee timely disbursement, particularly for overseas scholars, and suggested payments be made in local currencies or US dollars to reduce exchange-rate risks