A new report by *Column*, a UK-based B2B communications and research firm, has revealed a critical N290 billion shortfall in Nigeria’s 2025 education budget, warning that the persistent underfunding of teachers’ salaries threatens the sustainability and quality of the country’s public education system.
Authored by researchers Mo Shehu and Gideon Onunwa, the report—released on July 27—examines budgetary allocations against the real wage demands of Nigeria’s estimated 2.3 million teachers. It found that while N1.64 trillion has been earmarked for personnel costs in the education sector, at least N1.93 trillion is needed to pay teachers a proposed minimum wage of N70,000 per month.
The report points out that this gap is not new. In 2024, a similar deficit of N892 billion was recorded, highlighting what it described as a "systemic and recurring challenge" in adequately funding teacher compensation.
“For the second year in a row, budgetary allocations have fallen significantly short of what is required to pay Nigeria’s teaching workforce,” the report states. “This undermines efforts to retain qualified professionals, particularly in rural and underserved regions.”
The consequences, according to the report, are far-reaching: low teacher morale, poor retention rates, difficulty attracting qualified educators, and a steady decline in students' academic performance. It argues that the current level of investment is grossly inadequate to meet the demands of a growing school-age population and to drive meaningful educational reform.
Citing UNESCO’s recommendation that at least 15% of national budgets be allocated to education, the report notes that Nigeria’s 2025 allocation—just 7% of the total N54.99 trillion budget—falls far below global benchmarks.
**Underpaid, Undermined**
The report underscores the deteriorating working conditions faced by teachers, including dilapidated infrastructure, insufficient teaching materials, and stagnating wages. It warns that many teachers may abandon the profession or migrate to better-paying sectors, further widening the teacher gap—especially in rural areas where shortages are already severe.
“A shortfall in teacher salaries directly impacts education quality,” the authors note. “When teachers are poorly compensated, they are less motivated and ill-equipped to meet their students’ academic needs. This has long-term consequences for national development, as it leads to a less skilled workforce and deepens social inequality.”
**Reform Recommendations**
To address the crisis, the report offers several policy recommendations. Chief among them is a call for the government to prioritize the redirection of recovered funds from anti-corruption drives into the education sector. It notes that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered N277 billion in 2024 alone—more than enough to offset over 50% of the current deficit.
“Rather than resorting to new taxes or loans, the government should channel misappropriated funds into education, particularly to close the salary gap. Improved oversight and reduced public spending leakages can ensure that resources are allocated more effectively,” it recommends.
Additionally, the report urges the creation of a dedicated **Teacher Security Fund** for educators serving in violence-prone areas, arguing that security concerns significantly contribute to teacher absenteeism and attrition.
“Providing adequate protection for teachers, particularly in high-risk zones, is essential to maintaining a stable and motivated workforce,” the report adds.
A National Imperative
With over two million educators at the heart of Nigeria’s education system, the report warns that failure to address the salary shortfall will continue to erode the sector’s capacity to deliver quality education.
“The education system cannot function effectively when those who drive it are underpaid and undervalued. Addressing the teacher salary gap is not just a financial obligation—it is a national imperative,” it concludes.
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