The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has condemned both the Federal and state governments for their education budget allocations for 2025, labeling them as indicative of a lack of respect for the education sector.
President Bola Tinubu’s proposed budget allocates N3.52 trillion to education, representing just 7% of the total N49.70 trillion budget, well below the recommended 26% by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and Nigeria’s National Policy on Education (UNESCO).
ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke expressed disappointment, highlighting that despite the seemingly large figure, it reflects a persistent undervaluation of education, with many states also failing to meet international benchmarks.
Osodeke also raised concerns about the critical situation facing Nigerian universities, revealing that electricity costs have surged from approximately N20 million in the past to nearly N300 million currently.
He attributed this increase to the deteriorating exchange rate, which has diminished the value of the allocated education budget.
He expressed doubts regarding the government’s commitment to releasing budgeted funds, recalling that N300 billion earmarked for university revitalization in 2023 remains unpaid. He questioned how universities are expected to sustain operations under such financial strain.
“The government budgeted N300bn for university revitalisation in 2023, but we are nearing 2025, and that money has still not been released. How can we be sure that this new budget won’t face the same fate?” Osodeke questioned.
