Fesochukwu Jason
Nigeria’s worsening education crisis has taken a more troubling turn, as nearly ₦97.88 billion meant for basic education remains unaccessed by state governments, raising fresh concerns over governance and accountability.
The funds, provided under the Universal Basic Education Commission framework, were designed to support primary and junior secondary education. However, findings show that at least 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory have failed to access their allocations as of March 2026, largely due to their inability to meet counterpart funding requirements.
This development comes at a time when data from UNICEF and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education estimate that about 18.5 million children are currently out of school the highest figure globally.
The contrast is stark: while millions of children remain outside the classroom, funds intended to address the crisis continue to accumulate unused.
At the heart of the issue is the funding model itself. Under existing regulations, states must provide 50 percent counterpart funding before accessing federal grants. While the policy was designed to ensure commitment and accountability, it has increasingly become a barrier, exposing deeper structural and political challenges at the state level.
Analysts say the situation reflects more than a financial constraint. Several of the defaulting states are not among the poorest in the country, suggesting that the problem lies in prioritisation rather than capacity.
Legal and policy concerns have also been raised. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticised both federal and state authorities, arguing that the failure to utilise available funds undermines laws guaranteeing free and compulsory basic education.
He noted that despite clear legal provisions and multiple court rulings affirming children’s right to education, implementation has remained weak, with millions still excluded from the system.
Beyond legal implications, experts warn of broader consequences. Education stakeholders argue that the failure to invest in basic education is directly linked to rising insecurity, poverty, and inequality.
They caution that out-of-school children are more vulnerable to exploitation and criminal activities, turning what should be a social investment into a growing national risk.
The implications extend further into economic development. With Nigeria’s large youth population, the inability to translate available funding into functional education systems threatens long-term productivity and national growth.
Despite these concerns, enforcement mechanisms remain limited. There are currently no strong penalties for states that fail to access or utilise education funds, allowing the cycle of underperformance to persist.
For many observers, the situation represents a critical governance gap one where policy exists, funding is available, but execution continues to fall short.
As Nigeria navigates its education emergency, the question is no longer about resources, but responsibility.
Until state governments align their actions with the urgency of the crisis, the growing number of out-of-school children will remain a defining challenge and a lasting indictment of systemic failure.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.