By Our Correspondent—
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Mr Peter Obi, has launched a blistering attack on the Nigerian Government after the Minister of Education admitted that the policy separating junior and secondary schools had failed to improve educational outcomes.
In a post on his X handle, Mr Obi described the admission as “tragic”, noting that the country’s consistently poor examination results tell their own story.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) reported that only 38.32 per cent of candidates passed English and Mathematics in the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). In 2025, that figure dropped to 32 per cent for the computer-based version.
“Education is the most vital contributor to human capital development, which forms the foundation for growth and economic development of any society,” Mr Obi wrote.
“We cannot overcome economic stagnation without prioritising education, healthcare and job creation to lift millions of unemployed youths out of poverty.”
He pointed to the government’s continued neglect of the sector, highlighting that in the 2026 budget, education received only ₦3.52 trillion, equivalent to 6.17 per cent of total expenditure – down from 7.87 per cent in 2025 and far below UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15–20 per cent.
Citing education advocate Mr Alex Onyia (@winexviv), Mr Obi revealed that Nigeria had failed to sponsor students to the International STEM and Mathematics Olympiads because of a lack of funding.
“It is heartbreaking that the government can sponsor hundreds to irrelevant international conferences yet fail to support its brightest students on the world stage,” he said.
Drawing a contrast with his own record as governor of Anambra State, Mr Obi said committed leadership could transform educational outcomes. Under his administration, he argued, the state had turned the sector around through effective funding, oversight and the provision of laptops, generators and internet connectivity.
He noted that HP Africa’s head had declared Anambra the subnational government in Africa to have procured the largest number of laptops for schoolchildren.
“For the future of our society, we must deliberately invest in education, healthcare and job creation. 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,” Mr Obi added.
Mr Obi also expressed deep concern over what he called “troubling reports” of soldiers invading student hostels at Osun State University in Osogbo.
Students were allegedly assaulted, humiliated and dispossessed of their belongings, with female students reportedly subjected to degrading treatment, including rape.
“Every Nigerian deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” he said. “Our Armed Forces are renowned for their courage, discipline and sacrifice in defending our nation. They are not known for such barbarity against the very citizens they are sworn to protect.”
He urged the military high command to conduct a “thorough, transparent and impartial investigation” into the allegations and to bring any culpable personnel to justice.
He said accountability would not only ensure justice for victims but also preserve the honour and integrity of the Armed Forces and serve as a deterrent against future abuses.
“A nation that respects human dignity builds confidence in its institutions. We must never tolerate impunity or the abuse of power,”
