The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, announced that the state’s education budget for 2026 exceeds the recommendations set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). According to a press release from the governor’s Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, Anambra has allocated 46.9 percent of its total budget of ₦757 billion to education, significantly surpassing UNESCO’s guideline of 15-20 percent.
Soludo emphasized his commitment to transforming Anambra into the educational hub of Nigeria. He stated, “An intentional leader like Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo can’t just stop taking the educational torchlight to new heights.” This ambitious budget reflects a broader strategy to position Anambra as a leader in educational standards, outpacing other states such as Enugu, Kano, and Jigawa.
Significant Investments in Education
Under Soludo’s leadership, substantial investments in the education sector have already yielded visible results. The government has employed 8,115 teachers, effectively addressing the issue of schools lacking adequate staffing. This initiative has ended the era of “ghost classrooms” and has contributed to a significant increase in student enrollment.
The introduction of a free public education policy has played a crucial role in this transformation. This policy spans from kindergarten through senior secondary school, ensuring that no child is excluded from educational opportunities due to financial constraints. As a result, public secondary school enrollment has surged by 47 percent, while primary school enrollment has increased by 27 percent. Anambra now boasts the lowest rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Aburime noted, “These figures are lifelines extended to families who once viewed quality education as a distant dream.” He reiterated that the government’s commitment to education is evident through its tangible achievements, which have already reshaped the educational landscape of Anambra.
A Commitment to Transformational Education
The ongoing efforts to enhance education in Anambra align with global standards and recommendations. UNESCO advises that nations allocate a minimum of four to six percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to education. Anambra’s current budgetary commitment not only exceeds this threshold but also underscores the state’s ambition to become a knowledge-driven powerhouse.
Governor Soludo’s proactive measures are geared toward fostering an educational environment that nurtures talent and equips students with the necessary skills for the future. By prioritizing education, Anambra aims to set a benchmark for other states in Nigeria and beyond, demonstrating the potential impact of strategic budget allocations and policy implementation.
As the 2026 fiscal year approaches, Anambra’s focus on education signifies a pivotal shift in its developmental strategy, promising substantial benefits for generations to come.
