The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed N500 billion allocation to 20 federal universities in Nigeria’s 2025 budget, highlighting persistent issues in the public tertiary education system.

President Bola Tinubu’s 2025 budget, titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” allocates N3.52 trillion (7.3% of the N47.90 trillion total budget) to the education sector. While this marks a slight increase from the 5.5% allocated in 2024, it still falls significantly short of UNESCO’s recommended 15–20% for education funding.

Among the universities, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) received the largest allocation of N44.38 billion. The University of Calabar and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, followed with N37.26 billion and N36.74 billion, respectively. Other allocations include N13.43 billion for the Federal University Wukari and N13.65 billion for Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri.

Despite these figures, ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke criticized the budget, stating that a significant portion of the allocation is consumed by salaries, leaving minimal resources for critical infrastructure and developmental projects. He stressed that the increase in funding is insufficient to address systemic challenges, including poor facilities and chronic underfunding, which have long plagued the nation’s public universities.

Osodeke warned that without sustainable funding mechanisms and genuine government commitment, Nigeria’s tertiary education system risks further deterioration. He referenced the eight-month industrial action in 2022 as evidence of the frustrations faced by staff and students due to inadequate funding.

ASUU continues to call for reforms that prioritize education and ensure the long-term stability and growth of Nigeria’s public universities.

See also  Grimard Catholic College Basic Midwifery Entrance Exam - Dates, Registration, and Preparation Guide

Related posts:

NYSC to Increase Corps Members’ Stipends Following New Minimum Wage Implementation How to Complete the University of Lagos (UNILAG) JUPEB Screening – 2024/2025 Session How to Check Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) JUPEB Entrance Examination Result Polytechnic Ibadan Acceptance Fee Payment for 2024/2025 Academic Session