ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s education sector’s neglect, highlighting that the country ranks the lowest in education budgets among West African nations.
Speaking at a workshop organized by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in Abuja, Prof. Osodeke emphasized the need for an increase in education tax to 10%, aiming to raise TETFund funding from the current N600 billion annually to N3 trillion.
According to Prof. Osodeke, a survey of West African countries revealed that Nigeria allocates only 4.5 to 7% of its budget to education, with less than 70% of this allocation being released. He contrasted this with the Awolowo government, which allocated over 30% to education.
He commended Enugu, Abia, and Oyo states for earmarking more than 20% of their budgets for the education sector.
Prof. Osodeke also criticized university vice-chancellors for failing to involve necessary stakeholders in utilizing TetFund allocations effectively, calling for strict measures against institutions that neglect stakeholder involvement.
In response, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, emphasized the importance of funding educational activities strategically, considering various needs and expectations. He highlighted the Fund’s efforts to introduce new programs and interventions to enhance students’ career development and employability, including the establishment of Career Services Centres in tertiary institutions.
Echono stressed the vital role these centers play in providing students with information on job market trends, opportunities, and necessary skills, as well as offering counseling and guidance for career decisions.
Overall, both Prof. Osodeke and Sonny Echono underscored the urgent need for increased investment in Nigeria’s education sector to address critical challenges and enhance the quality of education in the country.
