Nigeria’s education crisis has deepened as ₦97.88 billion allocated for basic education under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) remains unutilised by at least 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory, according to documents obtained via a Freedom of Information request, led by the Femi Falana Legal Team.
The idle funds, intended for primary and junior secondary education, have largely gone untouched because many states failed to provide the mandatory 50 per cent counterpart funding required to access federal grants, highlighting governance and fiscal discipline issues rather than financial incapacity.
Nigeria is experiencing a full-scale education crises, as both domestic and international organizations have long warned. According to data from UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Education, there are currently 18.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, the largest number in the world and about 20% of all out-of-school children worldwide. Due to economic hardship and inadequate infrastructure, the issue is primarily affecting northern Nigeria, but it is also rapidly affecting southern regions.
States with the largest unaccessed allocations include Imo (₦10.6bn), Ogun (₦9.7bn), Rivers (₦7.8bn), Niger, Abia, Oyo (over ₦7.1bn each), and the FCT (₦5.07bn). In contrast, 15 states, including Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, Sokoto, and Delta, successfully accessed their funds, showing that compliance is achievable when political will exists.
Legal and education experts have condemned the federal and state governments for failing to uphold children’s rights. Senior lawyer Femi Falana criticised authorities for disregarding the Child’s Rights Act (2003) and the UBE Act (2004), noting, “The ruling class has effectively consigned children of the poor to illiteracy and ignorance.” He also alleged that some states mismanage funds even when accessed.
Education stakeholders warn of the long-term consequences, and the human cost is enormous. Basic facilities are lacking in rural schools, while urban classes are overcrowded and underfunded. Due to poverty, many families are compelled to put survival ahead of education.
According to experts, the ₦98 billion might have reduced the number of out-of-school children by building and renovating classrooms, hiring and training teachers, providing educational materials, and increasing access in underprivileged regions.
There are increasing calls for changes to the UBEC funding model, such as more stringent enforcement, penalties for states that fail to comply, and linking compliance to future federal funds.
UNICEF cautions that Nigeria faces a generational setback that could have a significant impact on social stability, economic growth, and national security if immediate action is not taken.
