Lagos, Ogun, four southwestern states underfund education in 2026 budgets

….Lagos records the lowest allocation to
At 5.3%

…None of the six states meet the 26% allocation goal.

… The growing impact on schools and learning is worrying

Daud Olatunji

All six Southwestern states failed to meet the recommended benchmark for education funding in their 2026 budgets, raising new concerns about the region’s commitment to the sector.

An analysis of the approved budgets of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states showed that none have allocated up to the 26% benchmark level prescribed in the National Education Policy of the Federal Ministry of Education.

The results indicated that education appropriations across states ranged between 5.3% and 16.4%, significantly below the recommended threshold.

Among states, Lagos State recorded the lowest allocation, with $234.6 billion representing only 5.3% of its $4.4 trillion 2026 budget approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. This marks a decline from the 6.1% assigned to the sector in 2025.

Despite the low percentage, the state allocated funds for key projects, including $9.05 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of public schools and $5.78 billion for the construction of 18 classrooms and restrooms.

In contrast, Oyo State has made the highest allocation in the region, dedicating $145.97 billion, representing 16.4% of its $892.09 billion budget under Governor Seyi Makinde. The state plans to spend $13 billion to rehabilitate 100 public secondary schools.

Similarly, Ogun State has allocated $271.6 billion, representing 16.3% of its $1.67 trillion budget. Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration has listed the construction of classroom blocks in 10 primary schools as a major project.

Ekiti State followed closely with $67.44 billion, representing 16.2% of its budget under Governor Biodun Oyebanji. Part of the allocation will finance the supply of 9,000 chairs and tables for public nurseries.

Moderate allocations were recorded in Ondo and Osun states, which allocated 12.3% and 12% of their budgets to education respectively.

In Ondo, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved $64.57 billion, with plans to invest $7.11 billion in the construction and rehabilitation of 500 basic schools.

Meanwhile, Osun State, under Governor Ademola Adeleke, has allocated $87.17 billion to the sector, including $1.98 billion for the construction of an early childhood education facility at the Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun.

Although states in the Southwest have outperformed those in the South-South – where only one state has allocated up to 10% – the persistent deficit below the 26% benchmark highlights ongoing concerns about education funding in the region.

Stakeholders say the trend could continue to impact infrastructure, learning outcomes and overall human capital development if not addressed urgently.

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