ASUU Criticizes FG’s N500bn Allocation to 20 Universities in 2025 Budget

ASUU criticized the proposed 2025 budget’s N500bn allocation to 20 universities, citing inadequate funding, overemphasis on salaries, and persistent systemic issues in Nigeria’s public tertiary education system.

President Bola Tinubu’s proposed 2025 budget allocates over N500 billion to 20 federal universities, with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) receiving the highest share of N44.38 billion.

The budget, titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” designates N3.52 trillion (7.3%) of the N47.90 trillion total budget to the education sector. While this reflects a slight increase from 2024’s 5.5% allocation, it remains significantly below UNESCO’s recommended 15–20% for education.

Following UNN, the University of Calabar and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, received N37.26 billion and N36.74 billion, respectively. Institutions like the Federal University Wukari and Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, were allocated N13.43 billion and N13.65 billion.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) criticized the allocations, arguing that systemic issues like poor infrastructure and inadequate funding persist. ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke stated that while the increased budget might seem promising, much of it is consumed by salaries, leaving little for impactful projects or meaningful development.

Osodeke emphasized that without sustainable funding mechanisms and genuine government commitment, Nigeria’s public tertiary education system remains at risk of collapse. Prolonged underfunding has led to strikes, such as the eight-month industrial action in 2022, and continues to frustrate students and staff nationwide

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SOURCES; ALLSCHOOL, ICR