Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, has urged the National Assembly to adopt a minimum 20 per cent allocation to the education sector, citing urgent teacher shortages, insecurity and persistent infrastructure deficits across the nation’s schools.
Alausa made the appeal during his appearance before the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on Education, where he defended the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal.
The minister assured lawmakers that, if approved, the proposed budget would be faithfully implemented to deliver measurable improvements and demonstrate the transformative impact of sustained investment in education. He noted that a minimum 20 per cent allocation aligns with recommendations by UNESCO.
Highlighting the staffing crisis, Alausa disclosed that federal unity colleges are currently facing a deficit of more than 3,500 teachers — a shortfall he said is severely affecting the teaching of core subjects, particularly science, mathematics and technical disciplines.
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“The shortage of qualified teachers is crippling our efforts to deliver quality education and produce graduates who can compete on the global stage,” he warned.
The minister called for immediate funding to recruit, train and retain highly skilled teachers, stressing that addressing the gap is essential to achieving globally competitive learning outcomes.
Alausa also raised concerns about security challenges in schools, especially in areas vulnerable to kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery. He noted that many schools remain unfenced and lack reliable electricity, limiting the deployment of modern security systems and exposing students and staff to risks.
The minister further drew attention to shortages of classrooms, hostels, laboratories and library facilities. He warned that overcrowded classrooms, obsolete laboratory equipment and inadequate library resources are undermining practical learning and research capabilities.
He also highlighted the low level of ICT penetration in schools, calling for significant investment in computers, internet connectivity and digital learning tools to modernise teaching, enhance student engagement and prepare learners for a knowledge-driven global economy.
In addition, Alausa proposed the creation of a dedicated, ring-fenced scholarship account to ensure timely and full disbursement of funds, particularly for international scholarship beneficiaries. He recommended that foreign payments be made in local currencies or US dollars to shield students from exchange rate volatility.
