Senate Urges FG to Boost 2025 Budget Allocation for Universities

The Senate has called on the Federal Government to significantly increase funding for federal universities in the 2025 budget, in a bid to resolve the persistent challenges faced by Nigerian higher institutions. During a recent session, lawmakers expressed concern over the growing exodus of highly skilled professionals from the academic sector, urging the government to address the issue of brain drain.

This plea follows a motion by Senator Anthony Okorie, who raised concerns about the alarming rate at which highly educated professionals, particularly university lecturers, are leaving the country in search of better working conditions.

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Okorie highlighted the poor remuneration and working environments for Nigerian lecturers, noting that their pay has not been revised in over 15 years, placing it among the lowest in the world.

To combat this ongoing issue, the Senate has resolved to engage relevant committees to collaborate with the ministries of finance, education, and other key stakeholders to curb the brain drain and ensure better conditions for academic staff across the country.