In a significant step toward advancing Nigeria’s education sector, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, presented the 2025 budget proposal to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, TETFund, and Basic/Secondary Education.
The minister highlighted the pivotal role of education in driving national and global development while outlining the ministry’s ambitious 2024-2027 roadmap.
The proposed budget reflects a dramatic increase to ₦2.5 trillion, a substantial leap from ₦1.5 trillion in 2024. During the presentation, Dr. Alausa emphasized eight priority areas, with a central focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine), teacher development, and addressing the pressing issue of out-of-school children. “TVET is the backbone of our investment strategy as we strive to equip young Nigerians with the skills needed for a competitive future,” he stated.
The minister also announced the forthcoming launch of the Nigeria Education Data Bundle, an initiative in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). According to him, the project will enable data-driven decision-making, further aligning educational reforms with Nigeria’s development goals.
A significant ₦72 billion of the budget is dedicated to the 118 federal unity colleges, known for their emphasis on science and technical education. This allocation underscores the ministry’s commitment to expanding access to quality education. “The compliance rate for fund utilization in 2024 reached an impressive 99.73%, reflecting our dedication to ensuring every naira counts toward improving education,” Dr. Alausa remarked.
The roadmap also addresses critical issues, including youth and adult literacy, girl-child education, and the reintegration of out-of-school children. Basic and early childhood care, development, and education (ECCDE) are central to the ministry’s agenda to bridge existing gaps and foster inclusivity.
Despite the progress, Dr. Alausa acknowledged persistent challenges such as inadequate teaching staff, poor infrastructure, limited ICT access, and school security concerns. “We are committed to overcoming these hurdles through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and efficient use of resources,” he assured.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, pledged the committee’s collaboration with the ministry to ensure transparency and effective utilization of funds. “We must resolve sectoral challenges amicably to align Nigeria’s education system with the nation’s aspirations,” Dandutse said.
The 2025 budget reaffirms the Ministry of Education’s vision of transforming Nigeria’s education sector into a globally competitive, inclusive system. As Dr. Alausa concluded, “With unwavering stakeholder support, we are steadily advancing toward the goal of providing every Nigerian child access to quality education, fostering innovation and national development.”
The presentation marks a renewed focus on addressing systemic challenges and paving the way for a brighter future for Nigeria’s education sector.
