Alausa Urges Lawmakers To Boost Funding Amid Teacher, Infrastructure Gaps

Minister of Education, Mr Tunji Alausa, has called for increased funding in the 2026 budget, citing teacher shortages, insecurity and poor infrastructure in schools.

Alausa made the appeal while defending the Federal Ministry of Education’s 2026 budget proposal before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Education at the National Assembly.

He said Federal Unity Colleges are facing a deficit of more than 3,500 teachers, particularly in science, mathematics and technical subjects, warning that the shortage is affecting learning outcomes nationwide.

The minister also raised concerns about insecurity in schools located in areas vulnerable to kidnapping and banditry noting that many schools lack perimeter fencing, surveillance systems and reliable electricity, leaving students and staff exposed to risks.

In addition, he highlighted overcrowded classrooms, outdated laboratories, insufficient hostel accommodations and poorly equipped libraries, stressing that these gaps limit students’ practical learning and research capabilities.

He called for urgent investment in information and communication technology, including computers, internet connectivity and digital learning tools, to modernize classrooms and prepare students for a global knowledge-driven economy.

Alausa also proposed creating a dedicated scholarship account to ensure timely payments, particularly for students studying abroad, and recommended that foreign payments be made in local currencies or U.S. dollars to protect students from exchange rate fluctuations.

He urged lawmakers to work toward allocating at least 20% of the national budget to education, in line with recommendations by the UNESCO, and said the proposal aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“The 2026 budget is not just a financial plan; it is a blueprint for transforming Nigeria’s education system,” Alausa said. “Every naira invested will yield long-term dividends in the form of skilled citizens, economic growth, and national prosperity.”

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji