CurretReport Blog The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticized the Federal Government’s 7% budget allocation to education in 2025, stating that it falls far below global benchmarks and will do little to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector.
In a statement issued by Professor Ayo Akinwole, Chairman of the ASUU University of Ibadan chapter, the union expressed disappointment over the government’s neglect of public education and the welfare of academic staff.
“7% Allocation Will Not Bring Change”
Professor Akinwole noted that the 7% allocation, amounting to N3.52 trillion out of a N47.90 trillion budget, falls short of the UNESCO-recommended 15-20% allocation for developing nations. He argued that this inadequate funding perpetuates the stagnation seen in Nigeria’s university system throughout 2024.
“Nigeria’s education is likely to remain the same because it has been allocated only 7% in the 2025 budget. This figure is far below the benchmark specified by UNESCO and UNFPA, which our union has consistently advocated for,” Akinwole stated.
Impact on the University System
The ASUU chairman highlighted several issues plaguing the education sector, including:
- Poor welfare conditions for university lecturers, discouraging qualified professionals from joining academia.
- Stagnation in infrastructure and research development in public universities.
- Proliferation of private schools with fees beyond the reach of average Nigerians, deepening inequality.
ASUU’s Call for Action
ASUU called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to honor the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated agreement drafted in 2021 as a goodwill gesture toward revitalizing the university system. The union stressed that previous administrations failed to act on agreements reached after extensive negotiations.
“Instead of initiating a fresh renegotiation, the Tinubu-led administration should set in motion a process to review and sign the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated draft agreement as a mark of goodwill,” Akinwole urged.
Threat to Public Education
ASUU also criticized policies that aim to commercialize university education, warning that such moves could marginalize public tertiary institutions already struggling with underfunding.
“This misbegotten policy will have huge and adverse implications for the university system in Nigeria. It is also an attempt to commodify university education,” Akinwole added.