NANS President Reacts, N2.18 Trillion Not Enough for Education

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Lucky Emonefe, has reacted to the N2.18 trillion alllocated for education in the 2024 budget proposal, says it represents only 7.9% of the total N27.5 trillion budget proposal for education.

The NANS President who made this known during a Citizen's Town Hall meeting on the 2024 Budget and Appropriation Process by the House of Representatives, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to increase the budget for education in the 2024 Federal Government Budget Proposal and also include students in the execution of the 2024 education budget.

Read Also: NANS President Urges Government to Boost Education Budget for 2024

According to him, “This figure represents 7.9% of the total N27.5 trillion budget proposal for education. It is on this premise that I am calling on the Federal Government to reconsider education and allocate more funds to it.”

“The problems facing the education sector are enormous, and urgent intervention is needed to prevent a complete loss of its standard".

Emonefe further urged the National Assembly to enact necessary laws that would enable students to participate in monitoring the execution of the education budget to assess its impact on their respective institutions.

Related: NANS Urges President Tinubu to Convert Student Loan Policy to Scholarships

The President explained that students’ inclusion in monitoring the budget’s execution is essential so that they are aware of the remaining funds for the current year and can participate in preparing the following year’s budget, thereby ensuring that the education sector is not left in limbo, as it has been in the past.

Emonefe admonished various agencies and MDAs that are typically involved in education matters, emphasizing that it cannot be business as usual. He advised them to tighten their belts and prepare to work positively for the growth of Nigeria’s education sector.