Nigeria Urged to Increase Education Funding as TETFund Pushes for Digital Skills and Curriculum Reform

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund has called on the Federal Government to increase Nigeria’s education budget to match global standards and strengthen the country’s workforce for the modern economy. The Executive Secretary of the Fund, Sonny Echono, made the appeal during the 13th Convocation Lecture at Nile University in Abuja.

Echono explained that Nigeria currently allocates about seven per cent of its national budget to education, far below the UNESCO recommendation of 15 to 20 per cent. He noted that improved funding is essential for schools to provide digital tools, modern laboratories, and qualified educators capable of driving innovation and productivity.

He pointed to countries like Rwanda and Kenya, which allocated 18 per cent and 16 per cent of their budgets to education in 2021 and recorded impressive growth in their learning systems. According to him, Nigeria must follow a similar path to compete in a global labour market powered by technology and fast-changing skill requirements.

Curriculum Overhaul Needed for 21st Century Skills

Echono stressed that Nigeria’s curriculum at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels requires a full overhaul to align with global workforce demands. He said most of the existing content does not reflect the realities of automation, digital transformation, and emerging industries.

He recommended that schools integrate digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and technical competencies into everyday learning. He added that subjects such as artificial intelligence, data science, renewable energy technologies, and financial literacy should become standard offerings across secondary and tertiary institutions.

Despite the large number of graduates produced annually, Echono warned that youth unemployment continues to rise because many graduates lack job-ready skills. He attributed the problem to an education system that remains disconnected from the skills required in today’s job market.

Digital Skills and Teacher Training to Boost Employability

Echono emphasized the need to increase the adoption of ICT across the education sector to expand digital skills nationwide. He advised the government to establish a structured professional development system that equips teachers with modern teaching methods, digital tools, and industry-relevant knowledge.

He added that entrepreneurship training should be prioritised so that students can become job creators and contribute to economic growth—especially as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on traditional sectors.

Stronger Focus on Technical and Vocational Education

Echono expressed concern that technical and vocational education remains underutilised despite its potential to reduce youth unemployment. He encouraged the country to adopt successful global models such as Germany’s and South Korea’s dual training systems, which combine classroom learning with hands-on vocational experience.

He also highlighted ongoing national reforms such as the National Skill Qualification Framework and new initiatives led by the Federal Ministry of Education to promote practical skill acquisition. He said expanding vocational training would give students a direct path to employment in sectors that urgently need skilled labour.

STEM Education for a Technology-Driven Future

The TETFund boss emphasised that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is essential for building a generation of problem-solvers capable of thriving in a technology-driven world. He said strengthening STEM programmes will boost innovation, improve competitiveness, and help the country address real-world challenges.

Many Executive Jobs May Disappear Soon — Nile University VC

Earlier during the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Nile University, Prof. Dilli Dogo, noted that 40 to 50 per cent of executive job roles may disappear within the next two years due to rapid technological changes. He urged Nigerian institutions to produce graduates who can think creatively, innovate, and contribute to national development.