The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi has insisted that Nigeria’s education crisis cannot be resolved by policy tweaks alone, but requires “fundamental structural change” and sustained funding.
In a statement on his X handle titled “How to avert Education Crisis in Nigeria”, released Friday by the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Obi cited poor WASSCE results and low budgetary allocation as proof of government failure.
Obi referenced the Minister of Education’s recent admission that separating Junior and Senior Secondary Schools had not improved outcomes.
He backed it with WAEC data: “only 38.32% of candidates passed English and Mathematics in 2024 WASSCE, and just 32% passed the 2025 computer-based WASSCE.
“This admission is tragic because education is the most vital contributor to human capital development, which forms the foundation for growth and economic development of any society.
“We cannot overcome economic stagnation without prioritising education, healthcare, and job creation to lift millions of unemployed youths out of poverty,” Obi said.
The former Governor of Anambra state faulted the 2026 budget, which earmarked ₦3.52 trillion for education, just 6.17% of total expenditure, down from 7.87% in 2025 and far below UNESCO’s 15–20% recommendation.
“This low allocation indicates a failure to recognise education as a driver of sustained economic growth,” he stressed.
The presidential candidate also cited education advocate, Alex Onyia, who said Nigeria could not sponsor students to International STEM and Mathematics Olympiads due to lack of funds.
“It is heartbreaking that the government can sponsor hundreds to irrelevant international conferences yet fail to support its brightest students on the world stage,” he added.
According to Obi, the problem is not the JSS/SSS structure, but lack of commitment to fund, manage and deliver quality education.
“The Minister’s admission reflects a broader failure of public leadership,” he stated.
Obi pointed to his tenure as governor in Anambra State as evidence that focused leadership can change outcomes.
According to him, the state provided laptops, generators, internet connectivity and other learning aids to schools.
“Our effort in providing computers across all secondary schools was recognised by the HP Africa Head, who declared that Anambra had procured the largest number of laptops for school children of any subnational government in Africa.
“For the future of our society, we must deliberately invest in education, healthcare, and job creation. Failing to do the right things is equivalent to abusing society… A New Nigeria is Possible,” he stated.
