Education is universally recognised as a cornerstone for national development. It fosters innovation, builds human capital, and drives socio-economic growth. Yet, in Nigeria, a nation rich in resources and potential, the education sector remains chronically underfunded. Despite the African Union’s recommendation that member states allocate at least 20% of their national budgets to education, Nigeria has consistently fallen short. This underfunding has had far-reaching consequences, impeding the country’s progress.
One of the most visible impacts of low funding is the dilapidated state of educational infrastructure. Many Nigerian schools, especially in rural areas, operate in unsafe and overcrowded environments. Students often study in classrooms without roofs, windows, or furniture. Laboratories lack essential equipment, and libraries are devoid of up-to-date learning materials. For instance, a report by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in 2022 revealed that over 50% of public schools in Nigeria require major repairs. Poor infrastructure not only hinders effective learning but also demotivates students and teachers.
Another significant consequence is the decline in the quality of teaching. Due to inadequate salaries and poor working conditions, the teaching profession is increasingly unattractive to qualified individuals. Many talented graduates avoid teaching in favour of better-paying careers. Those who remain in the profession often face delayed salaries and lack opportunities for professional development. According to a study by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), over 60% of teachers in public schools have not attended any form of training in the past five years. This stagnation affects their ability to adopt modern teaching methods, further impacting student performance.
Low funding also restricts access to education, especially for children from low-income families. The cost of education, even in public schools, is often too high for many parents. Inadequate government funding forces schools to impose additional levies to cover basic operational costs. In 2021, UNICEF reported that approximately 10.5 million Nigerian children were out of school, the highest in the world. Most of these children are from poor or marginalised communities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality.
The quality of education directly impacts student outcomes. Underfunded schools often lack the resources necessary for effective teaching and learning, such as textbooks, science kits, and technology. Consequently, students struggle to perform well in national and international assessments. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that in 2023, less than 30% of students who sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) passed with credit in core subjects like Mathematics and English. This poor performance limits their opportunities for higher education and employment.
The underfunding of education has contributed significantly to brain drain in Nigeria. Many young talents leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. The exodus of qualified professionals weakens the country’s workforce, affecting sectors that rely on skilled labour. Moreover, the inadequate preparation of students for the job market leads to a workforce that lacks critical skills. Employers often complain about the employability of graduates, which affects productivity and hampers economic growth.
Security Challenges
Education plays a vital role in promoting peace and security. When children are educated, they are less likely to engage in criminal activities. However, with millions of children out of school due to underfunding, Nigeria faces an increased risk of insecurity. Uneducated youths are more susceptible to recruitment by insurgent groups such as Boko Haram.
Education is a critical driver of economic development. Countries that invest heavily in education tend to experience higher GDP growth rates. Conversely, Nigeria’s low investment in education stifles its economic potential. According to the World Bank, every additional year of schooling increases a person’s income by 10%, while a country’s GDP can grow by 0.37% for every additional year of schooling its citizens receive.
To address these challenges, the Nigerian government must prioritise education funding. Meeting the African Union’s benchmark of 20% for education will provide the necessary resources to improve infrastructure, teacher training, and learning materials. Also, transparent and efficient use of allocated funds can ensure that resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
The detrimental effects of low budgetary allocation to Nigeria’s education sector are evident in the poor state of infrastructure, low teacher morale, limited access to education, and poor student outcomes. Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort from the government, private sector, and civil society. By investing adequately in education, Nigeria can unlock its full potential, ensuring a brighter future for its citizens.
