…express concern over mounting risks in schools, seek urgent investment in security, infrastructure
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has appealed to lawmakers for stronger financial backing for the Federal Ministry of Education’s 2026 budget, stressing the pressing need to confront widespread teacher shortages, security concerns and deteriorating infrastructure in schools across the country. 
He made the case while appearing before the Joint Committee on Education of the Senate and the House of Representatives at the National Assembly, where he presented and defended the Ministry’s proposed spending plans for the coming year.
The minister emphasised that additional funding would enable the government to recruit and retain more qualified teachers, strengthen safety measures in schools and address long-standing deficits in classrooms and other essential facilities.
He also assured members of the committee that, once approved, the 2026 allocation would be implemented diligently, with a clear focus on delivering measurable improvements and demonstrating the long-term benefits of sustained investment in the education sector.
“We aim to convince the National Assembly that a minimum of 20 per cent allocation to education, as recommended by UNESCO, should serve as the benchmark for future budgets.
“Education is the backbone of national development. Without adequate funding, our schools cannot equip students with the knowledge and skills required to compete globally and thrive in the 21st century,” Alausa said.
Highlighting the staffing crisis, Alausa disclosed that Federal Unity Colleges are currently grappling with a deficit of over 3,500 teachers, a shortage that is severely affecting the teaching of core subjects, particularly science, mathematics, and technical disciplines.
“The shortage of qualified teachers is crippling our efforts to deliver quality education and produce graduates who can compete on the global stage.
The minister called for immediate funding to recruit, train, and retain highly skilled teachers, emphasizing that addressing this gap is essential to achieving globally competitive learning outcomes,” he warned.
The Minister also drew the attention of the committee to the deepening security concerns in schools, particularly in regions affected by kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery. He observed that many schools remain without perimeter fencing and lack dependable electricity, a situation that restricts the deployment of modern security systems and leaves both pupils and staff vulnerable.
“Our children must learn in safe environments. Security is non-negotiable, and adequate funding is essential to install surveillance systems, construct perimeter fencing, and implement other protective measures to safeguard our learners,” he said.
The minister also pointed to acute shortages of classrooms, hostels, laboratories and library facilities across the country. He cautioned that overcrowded classrooms, obsolete laboratory equipment and poorly stocked libraries are undermining students’ practical learning and research development.
Concerns were equally raised about the limited integration of information and communications technology in schools. He called for substantial investment in computers, reliable internet access and digital learning platforms to modernise instruction, deepen student engagement and equip young people for participation in a knowledge-driven global economy.
In addition, the minister proposed the establishment of a dedicated, ring-fenced scholarship account to guarantee timely and full disbursement of funds, especially for students studying abroad. He advised that foreign obligations should be settled in local currencies or in US dollars to shield beneficiaries from fluctuations in exchange rates.
“Many of our scholarship beneficiaries are indigent yet high-performing students. Inadequate funding exposes them to hardship and limits their potential. Immediate and sustained funding is critical to safeguard their future,” he said.
He explained that the 2026 budget framework aligns with the policy priorities of Bola Tinubu, as well as the Education Sector Roadmap and the Renewed Hope Agenda. The ministry’s focus for 2026 includes expanding access for out-of-school children, strengthening safety within learning environments, improving teacher capacity to deliver globally competitive curricula and reinforcing tertiary institutions to produce a skilled workforce capable of driving national development.
“The 2026 budget is not merely a financial plan; it is a blueprint for transforming Nigeria’s education system. Every naira invested will yield long-term dividends in the form of skilled citizens, economic growth, and national prosperity,” Alausa stressed.
He added with a direct appeal to the National Assembly: “Without adequate resources, our schools cannot fulfill their mandate. Investing in education is investing in the future of Nigeria. We urge lawmakers to prioritize education as a national imperative and support this budget to ensure the dreams of our children and the aspirations of our nation are realized.”
