‘Unity Colleges Facing 3,500-teacher Deficit’ — Tunji Alausa Seeks Increased Funding for Education

Tunji Alausa, minister of education, says federal unity colleges across the country are grappling with a deficit of more than 3,500 teachers.

Alausa spoke on Thursday while defending the federal ministry of education’s 2026 budget estimates before the senate and house of representatives joint committee on education.

“The shortage of qualified teachers is crippling our efforts to deliver quality education and produce graduates who can compete on the global stage,” he said.

The minister told lawmakers that urgent funding is needed to recruit, train and retain competent teachers, stressing that closing the manpower gap is critical to improving learning outcomes and strengthening Nigeria’s human capital base.

Beyond the staffing crisis, Alausa said federal schools are also battling insecurity, poor infrastructure and inadequate learning facilities, which he linked directly to years of underfunding in the education sector.

He noted that many schools across the country remain unfenced and lack stable electricity, limiting their ability to deploy surveillance systems and other security measures, particularly in areas affected by kidnapping and banditry.

“Our children must learn in safe environments. Security is non-negotiable, and adequate funding is essential to install surveillance systems, construct perimeter fencing, and implement other protective measures to safeguard our learners,” he said.

Alausa further highlighted deficits in classrooms, hostels, laboratories and libraries, noting that overcrowding, obsolete equipment and poor learning resources are part of the challenges undermining effective teaching, research and practical learning.

To address these challenges, the minister urged the national assembly to significantly strengthen funding for the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal, assuring lawmakers that the funds would be transparently and effectively utilised.

“We aim to convince the national assembly that a minimum of 20 percent allocation to education, as recommended by UNESCO, should serve as the benchmark for future budgets,” the minister said.

“Education is the backbone of national development. Without adequate funding, our schools cannot equip students with the knowledge and skills required to compete globally and thrive in the 21st century,” he said.

He also underscored the need to expand information and communication technology infrastructure through investment in computers, internet connectivity and digital learning tools to prepare students for a knowledge-driven global economy.

On government-sponsored scholars, Alausa proposed a ring-fenced scholarship account to eliminate funding delays and protect beneficiaries from exchange rate volatility by paying foreign tuition and allowances in local currencies or US dollars.

“Many of our scholarship beneficiaries are indigent yet high-performing students. Inadequate funding exposes them to hardship and limits their potential. Immediate and sustained funding is critical to safeguard their future,” he said.

The minister explained that the 2026 education budget proposal aligns with the policy priorities of President Bola Tinubu, the education sector roadmap and the renewed hope agenda, with a focus on expanding access for out-of-school children, improving school safety and strengthening teacher capacity.

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