By Ayomide Otitoju
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has placed education at the forefront of his 2026 “Changing Gears 3.0” budget, allocating ₦757.9 billion in total with a striking 46.9% year-on-year increase to the sector—the largest allocation of any major sector.
According to Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, the surge reflects the administration’s commitment to developing human capital and preparing Anambra’s children and youth as tomorrow’s leaders. “This is a declaration of war on mediocrity and a key investment in the minds that will shape our society,” Aburime said.
The 2026 budget will fund the construction of new model public primary schools in 30 previously underserved communities, extensive upgrades to existing primary and secondary schools, and improvements including classrooms, laboratories, ICT centres, libraries, perimeter fencing, and sanitation facilities.
Plans also include the possible establishment of two specialist tertiary institutions focused on Engineering/Technology and Medical Sciences, continued free education from kindergarten through SS3, and an expanded bursary scheme for indigent students. The government will deepen partnerships with mission schools and enhance digital education through smart schools, tablet rollouts, broadband connectivity, and teacher retraining in digital pedagogy.
Teachers’ welfare remains a priority, with prompt salary payments, promotions, arrears clearance, and in-service training aimed at sustaining Anambra’s reputation for having some of Nigeria’s best-trained public school teachers.
Aburime highlighted the expected broader impact: “The investments will further reduce the out-of-school-children gap, accelerate public school enrolment—which has already risen 47% for secondary and 27% for primary since 2022—and make quality education more accessible, reducing pressure on private schools and contributing to long-term crime reduction.”
The budget is also aimed at producing graduates capable of driving innovation and entrepreneurship, potentially giving rise to technology hubs and startups from Anambra. Students are expected to maintain national and international competitive excellence, building on achievements in WAEC, JAMB, and Olympiads.
“The 46.9% increase in education spending is the most significant line item in the 2026 budget,” Aburime concluded. “While infrastructure and factories evolve, the minds shaped today will lead Anambra, Nigeria, and Africa into the future.”
Governor Soludo’s strategy positions education as the foundation for Anambra’s long-term development and ambition to become a hub of innovation and global competitiveness.
