The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has emphasised the critical role of education in national and global development.
Presenting his ministry’s 2025 budget proposal to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, TETFund, and Basic/Secondary Education, the Minister outlined the ministry’s 2024-2027 roadmap, highlighting the importance of improving access to education, particularly for out-of-school children, and enhancing teacher capacity across all levels of education.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) emerged as a key focus area, with the minister describing it as the backbone of the ministry’s investment strategy.
The minister also announced the impending launch of the Nigeria Education Data Bundle, a collaborative initiative with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Boriowo Folasade, said in a press statement on Wednesday that this initiative aims to facilitate data-driven decision-making in the education sector.
The proposed 2025 budget reflects a significant increase to ₦2.5 trillion, up from ₦1.5 trillion in 2024.
The budget targets eight priority areas, inclu,sding scholarships, loans, and bursaries to support students, initiatives to improve literacy, and the creation of conducive learning environments.
These measures aim to enhance the education sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s national development goals.
A substantial portion of the budget, ₦72 billion, is earmarked for the 118 federal unity colleges. These colleges emphasize science and technical education, and are central to the ministry’s strategy to expand access to quality education.
The allocation reflects the government’s commitment, with a compliance rate of 99.73% recorded in 2024.
The roadmap also addresses pressing challenges, such as youth and adult literacy, reintegrating out-of-school children, and promoting Girl-Child Education.
The ministry’s efforts aim to bridge these gaps while advancing basic and early childhood care, development, and education (ECCDE).
Despite notable progress, the minister acknowledged persistent challenges, including shortages of teaching staff, inadequate facilities, insufficient ICT infrastructure, and security concerns in schools.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to tackling these issues through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and efficient utilization of resources.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Ɗandutse, pledged the committee’s collaboration with the ministry to ensure accountability and the effective utilisation of allocated funds.
He stressed the importance of resolving sectoral challenges amicably to strengthen Nigeria’s education system and align it with the nation’s development aspirations.
According to Boriowo, “The Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its mission to transform Nigeria’s education sector into a world-class system that fosters inclusivity, innovation, and national development.
“With the unwavering support of stakeholders, the vision of providing every Nigerian child with access to quality education is steadily becoming a reality.”
