Federal unity colleges across Nigeria are currently facing a shortage of more than 3,500 teachers, a deficit that Minister of Education Tunji Alausa says is hampering efforts to provide quality education and produce globally competitive graduates.
Alausa highlighted the staffing gap on Thursday while presenting and defending the Ministry of Education’s 2026 budget proposal before a joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on education. He stressed that immediate intervention is required to recruit, train, and retain qualified teachers.
“The shortage of qualified teachers is crippling our efforts to deliver quality education and produce graduates who can compete on the global stage,” Alausa told lawmakers, urging enhanced funding to close the manpower gap and strengthen Nigeria’s human capital.
Beyond the staffing crisis, the minister pointed to additional challenges affecting federal schools, including insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and outdated learning facilities. Many schools remain unfenced and lack stable electricity, limiting the deployment of security systems, particularly in areas prone to banditry and kidnappings.
“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.
Alausa also drew attention to overcrowded classrooms, dilapidated hostels, obsolete laboratory equipment, and poorly resourced libraries, describing these issues as barriers to effective teaching, research, and practical learning.
To tackle these systemic problems, the minister called on the National Assembly to significantly increase allocations to the education sector in the 2026 budget. He referenced UNESCO’s recommendation that at least 20 percent of national budgets should be devoted to education as a benchmark for sustainable investment.
“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.
He also emphasised the need to expand digital infrastructure in schools, including computers, internet access, and e-learning tools, to prepare students for a knowledge-driven global economy.
Addressing government-sponsored scholars, Alausa proposed establishing a ring-fenced scholarship account to ensure timely disbursements, protect beneficiaries from exchange rate fluctuations, and provide tuition and allowances in local or foreign currencies.
“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.
Alausa, as ENigeria Newspaper gathered, noted that the 2026 education budget aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s policy priorities, the national education sector roadmap, and the renewed hope agenda, focusing on expanding access for out-of-school children, improving school safety, and enhancing teacher capacity.
“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,” he said, urging lawmakers to treat education funding as a national imperative.
“Without adequate resources, our schools cannot fulfil their mandate. Investing in education is investing in the future of Nigeria. We urge lawmakers to prioritise education and support this budget to ensure the dreams of our children and the aspirations of our nation are realised,” Alausa concluded.
