Nigeria invests over N1 trillion in tertiary education
Analysis based on 25 articles · First reported Jul 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026
The massive investment in tertiary education is expected to improve Nigeria's human capital, potentially boosting long-term economic growth and attracting foreign investment. However, the fiscal expenditure may increase government debt in the short term.
The Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu, has invested over N1 trillion in tertiary education over two years, according to Education Minister Tunji Alausa. The investment includes N250 billion for new student hostels, N150 billion for rehabilitating facilities, N130 billion for medical schools, N52 billion for medical equipment, N30 billion for simulation labs, and N110 billion for engineering workshops. Alausa stated that education will drive Tinubu's target of a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Nursing school enrolment rose from 20,000 to 50,000 annually, and admissions in medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry expanded. The Nigeria — Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was designed for sustainability. The government paid 50% of withheld salaries and approved a 40% salary increase for university staff, ending prolonged disputes. Nigerian universities in Times Higher Education rankings increased from 21 to 24. The National Committee for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech and Language Therapy Education is expanding specialized healthcare programs, with the University of Benin starting Occupational Therapy in 2026/2027.
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