A former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Peter Okebukola, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise quality education in 2025 through increased investment in the education sector.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Professor Okebukola emphasised that inadequate funding remains a significant obstacle to Nigeria’s educational and economic development.
He highlighted how this shortfall undermines literacy, skill acquisition, and national growth, while perpetuating reliance on foreign expertise and technology.
“Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, but its investment in education is relatively low compared to its population size and needs,” he stated.
According to the education expert, low investment in education restricts citizens’ ability to think critically, innovate, and compete on a global scale. “When leaders fail to prioritise quality education, they inhibit the ability of citizens to innovate, think critically, and compete on the global stage. This creates a population that may feel intellectually inferior to other countries,” he added.
Professor Okebukola stressed that prioritising quality education is pivotal to empowering the nation’s workforce and fostering sustainable development.
The former NUC secretary’s appeal comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s education system and its impact on the nation’s future.
