Former presidential candidate in the 2023 general election Peter Obi has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s education sector, arguing that the country’s declining academic performance is the result of years of inadequate investment and poor leadership rather than flawed policies alone.
Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on his X account on Friday while reacting to the Federal Government’s recent admission that the policy separating junior and senior secondary schools had failed to produce the desired educational outcomes.
According to him, the government’s acknowledgment reflects deeper problems in the management of the education sector.
“The Minister’s admission reflects a broader failure of public leadership. The issue is not the JSS/SSS policy itself, but the lack of commitment to properly fund, manage, and deliver quality education.”
The former presidential candidate cited recent examination statistics to underscore the scale of the challenge, noting that only 38.32 per cent of candidates passed both English Language and Mathematics in the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), while only 32 per cent reportedly passed the computer-based WASSCE in 2025.
Obi described the situation as alarming, stressing that education remains the cornerstone of human capital development and economic progress.
“Education is the most vital contributor to human capital development, which forms the foundation for growth and economic development of any society.”
He argued that Nigeria cannot overcome economic stagnation without making education, healthcare and job creation top national priorities, adding that countries that have achieved rapid development invested heavily in quality education.
The former Anambra State governor also criticised the Federal Government’s budgetary allocation to education, noting that the sector received ₦3.52 trillion in the 2026 budget, representing 6.17 per cent of total expenditure—below UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15 to 20 per cent.
Obi further lamented reports that Nigeria was unable to sponsor students to international STEM and Mathematics Olympiads due to funding constraints.
Referring to claims made by education advocate Alex Onyia, he described the situation as disappointing.
“It is heartbreaking that the government can sponsor hundreds to irrelevant international conferences yet fail to support its brightest students on the world stage.”
Highlighting his record as governor of Anambra State, Obi said targeted investment and effective management significantly improved educational outcomes in the state.
According to him, his administration provided laptops, internet connectivity, generators and other learning facilities across secondary schools, an initiative that earned international recognition.
He concluded by urging governments at all levels to prioritise education, healthcare and employment if Nigeria is to achieve sustainable development.
“For the future of our society, we must deliberately invest in education, healthcare, and job creation.”
Obi added, “As I have always said, failing to do the right things is equivalent to abusing society, and the society we abuse today will take its revenge on us and our children tomorrow.”