The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday led the defence of the Federal Ministry of Education’s ₦2.4 trillion 2026 budget proposal before the Joint Committees on Education of the National Assembly, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the completion of critical education projects nationwide.

In a statement signed by Boriowo Folasademade, the Director, Press and Public Relations, made available to TVC News on Friday, the Minister was accompanied by the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, the Permanent Secretary, Abel O. Eniitan, and senior directors of the Ministry.

Presenting the estimates during the National Assembly’s review of the 2025 budget implementation and consideration of the 2026 projections, Dr Alausa explained that rollover provisions in the budget demonstrate the government’s determination to ensure that ongoing education projects are completed rather than abandoned due to fiscal transitions.

According to the statement, Alausa emphasised that budget appropriations must translate into effective execution and tangible impact across the education sector.

While acknowledging some capital implementation challenges in 2025, the Minister noted progress in personnel and overhead expenditures. He explained that the 2026 budget framework is designed to strengthen education infrastructure, expand research capacity, enhance teacher development, improve digital learning access and promote safer school environments.

The statement further revealed that Alausa highlighted the shortage of more than 3,500 teachers in Federal Unity Colleges, particularly in science, mathematics and technical subjects.

The Minister assured lawmakers that recruitment, training and retention strategies have been prioritised to address the gap and improve learning outcomes.

The statement reads, “According to the proposal, ₦966.9 billion is allocated to universities, ₦382 billion to polytechnics and colleges of education, ₦633.3 billion to education parastatals and ₦257.9 billion for the Ministry’s headquarters operations. Federal Unity Colleges are expected to receive ₦155 billion, while ₦10.3 billion is earmarked for international commitments, including obligations to UNESCO.

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“The Minister further noted that the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes is expected to equip over five million Nigerian youths with employable and entrepreneurial skills.”

The statement further added, “He also outlined the Ministry’s six-point education renewal agenda, which focuses on advancing STEMM education, reducing the number of out-of-school children, promoting girl-child education, accelerating digitalisation, strengthening data-driven planning and deepening community engagement. He noted that the Ministry’s 2026–2028 deliverables align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

In his remarks, the Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Muntari Dandutse, stressed the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibility under Section 80 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to thoroughly examine budget implementation and projections. He called for clear documentation on rollover projects to ensure that appropriated funds correspond with measurable progress.

Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Abubakar Hassan Fulata, and the Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Babagida Hussain, requested detailed nominal rolls and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) submissions from the Ministry and its agencies to ensure strict compliance with constitutional provisions.

Responding, Dr Alausa assured lawmakers that the Ministry would promptly submit comprehensive documentation, including nominal rolls and detailed IGR expenditure plans, to facilitate effective legislative oversight. He described the engagement with the National Assembly as a collaborative process anchored on accountability, efficiency and timely project delivery.

Following deliberations, the Joint Committees received and adopted the Ministry’s submission for further legislative consideration, with additional documents to be transmitted through the Permanent Secretary as requested.

Dr Alausa concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with lawmakers to ensure the successful implementation of