The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has expressed concern over the persistent underfunding of Nigeria’s education sector, noting that budgetary allocations remain significantly below international benchmarks.
Speaking at the 65th anniversary lecture of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, titled “65 Years of Excellence: Obafemi Awolowo University and the Future of Higher Education in Nigeria,” Alausa said education funding in Nigeria has historically ranged between 5% and 8% of the national budget. This falls short of the 15% to 20% recommended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
According to him, the funding gap has contributed to infrastructure decay, poorly equipped laboratories, and inadequate access to modern academic resources in tertiary institutions.
He also highlighted other challenges facing the sector, including limited investment in research and development, brain drain, and a mismatch between university training and labour market needs.
“There is a gap between what our universities teach and what the economy needs,” he said, adding that many graduates lack critical thinking, digital, and entrepreneurial skills required in today’s world.
Alausa further warned that the pressure on university admissions is worsening, noting that Nigeria has over 200 universities but insufficient capacity to accommodate applicants. He revealed that more than 2 million candidates compete annually for fewer than 500,000 available university spaces, describing the situation as a “ticking time bomb.”
The minister also expressed concern over Nigeria’s low investment in research and development, stating that the country spends less than 0.2% of its GDP on R&D, compared to countries like Israel and South Korea that invest over 4%.
Despite these challenges, he maintained optimism about the future of Nigerian universities, describing them as hubs of innovation and problem-solving.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reforms in the education sector, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), aimed at ensuring that financial constraints do not stop students from pursuing higher education.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Simeon Bamire, described the university as a leading institution in Africa, noting that its future growth will depend on innovation, global competitiveness, and stronger industry partnerships.
Established in 1961 and renamed in 1987, Obafemi Awolowo University remains one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions.
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