By Ayomide Otitoju
Anambra State has emerged as Nigeria’s leading sub-national investor in education, with the state allocating 46.9 per cent of its ₦757 billion 2026 budget to the sector, a move described as evidence of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s long-term development vision.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, citing a recent analysis by Trust Africa News Online of states’ appropriation bills. According to the report, Anambra ranked ahead of states such as Enugu, Kano and Jigawa in education funding, far exceeding both national averages and global benchmarks.
Aburime said the allocation reflects Governor Soludo’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy and aligns with UNESCO’s recommendation that governments devote 15–20 per cent of public expenditure to education. He noted that by committing nearly half of its budget to the sector, Anambra is setting a new standard for sub-national governance in Nigeria.
Since assuming office, the Soludo administration has implemented wide-ranging reforms in the education sector, including the recruitment of 8,115 teachers to address shortages in public schools. The state has also introduced free public education from kindergarten through senior secondary school, removing tuition and related levies.
According to the government, these policies have resulted in a 47 per cent increase in public secondary school enrolment and a 27 per cent rise at the primary level, contributing to Anambra recording one of the lowest out-of-school children rates in the country.
Aburime said the 2026 education budget would build on these gains through new initiatives, including the construction of model primary schools in 30 communities without existing public schools. He added that schools across the state would undergo upgrades under the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) programme, with improvements to classrooms, laboratories, libraries and ICT facilities.
The state also plans to establish two specialist tertiary institutions, with a focus on fields such as engineering, technology and medical sciences, aimed at strengthening the link between education and workforce development.
In addition, the Soludo administration will continue its partnership with mission schools, with over ₦1.2 billion reportedly disbursed monthly to support teachers’ salaries. Plans are also underway to expand bursary schemes for indigent students and scale up digital education initiatives, including smart schools, tablet distribution and advanced teacher training.
Aburime said the governor’s approach underscores education as a cornerstone of economic growth, social development and equal opportunity, positioning Anambra as a model for education-led development among Nigeria’s states.
