Anambra Emerges National Leader in Education Funding Under Soludo
By The People’s Voice Nigeria News
Anambra State has once again taken the lead on the national development chart as nearly half of its 2026 budget has been committed to education, reinforcing Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s long-standing vision of building a knowledge-driven society.
With 46.9 per cent of the ₦757 billion 2026 budget allocated to the education sector, Anambra currently ranks highest among Nigerian states in education funding, a move that analysts say reflects deliberate leadership rather than coincidence.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime, the development was highlighted in a recent analysis by The PUNCH newspaper, which reviewed appropriation bills across states of the federation. The report showed Anambra outperforming states such as Enugu, Kano and Jigawa, while many others fell short of internationally accepted benchmarks.
Education experts note that the allocation far exceeds the UNESCO recommendation of 15–20 per cent of public expenditure for education, positioning Anambra as a clear outlier in Nigeria’s public finance landscape.
Beyond the figures, observers say the investment reflects Governor Soludo’s broader strategy of prioritising human capital as the foundation for economic growth and social stability.
Since assuming office, the Soludo administration has embarked on sweeping reforms aimed at reversing years of neglect in the education sector. One of the most significant interventions has been the recruitment of 8,115 teachers, a move that addressed chronic manpower shortages in public schools across the state.
This recruitment drive has been complemented by the introduction of free public education from kindergarten to senior secondary school, removing financial barriers that previously kept many children out of classrooms.
The impact has been measurable. Public secondary school enrolment has increased by 47 per cent, while primary school enrolment has risen by 27 per cent, giving Anambra one of the lowest rates of out-of-school children in the country.
For many families, the reforms have translated into renewed confidence in public education and relief from the burden of school fees and informal charges.
Looking ahead, the 2026 education allocation is expected to drive a new phase of expansion and modernisation. Plans are underway for the construction of model primary schools in 30 communities that currently lack public schools, a move aimed at closing access gaps and improving learning outcomes in underserved areas.
Existing schools will also benefit from extensive upgrades through programmes coordinated by the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB). These include classroom renovations, modern science laboratories, libraries and ICT centres designed to align learning with 21st-century demands.
At the tertiary level, the state plans to establish two specialist higher institutions, with focus areas expected to include engineering, technology and medical sciences, in a bid to strengthen the link between education and workforce readiness.
The Soludo administration has also sustained partnerships with mission schools, disbursing over ₦1.2 billion monthly to support teacher salaries and reduce financial pressure on parents. A high-level committee has been proposed to explore additional areas of collaboration.
Support schemes for indigent students are set to expand, alongside increased investment in digital education through smart schools, learning devices and continuous teacher training.
Analysts say what distinguishes Anambra’s approach is its holistic framing of education as both a social equaliser and an economic tool. By embedding education at the centre of governance, the state is positioning itself not only for improved literacy outcomes but for long-term competitiveness in a global knowledge economy.
As Nigeria grapples with funding constraints and learning deficits, Anambra’s model offers a policy template that prioritises youth development as a pathway to sustainable growth.
For many observers, the 2026 budget is more than a fiscal statement—it is a declaration of intent that places education at the heart of Anambra’s future.
