Broken Futures: How Neglect And Corruption Are Shaping An Uncertain Tomorrow For Nigerian Youth

Broken Futures: How Neglect And Corruption Are Shaping An Uncertain Tomorrow For Nigerian Youth

KENE Obiora was once one of the brightest minds in his class of 34 at one of Nigeria’s top universities in the 1990s. With a passion for learning, he quickly pursued a master’s degree after his national youth service, envisioning a smooth academic journey. However, what followed was a five-year ordeal, filled with lost drafts, inadequate supervision, and poor infrastructure, forcing him to seek education abroad.

Kene’s story is not unique. Across Nigeria, students face deteriorating conditions in public universities—limited lecture halls, scarce laboratory supplies, and a lack of housing for lecturers. Last month, Vanguard exposed the harsh realities faced by lecturers who now resort to sleeping in their offices due to lack of funds.

The root cause? Decades of inadequate government funding. Over the past 27 years, the education sector has received only 6.93% of the national budget—far below international benchmarks. UNESCO recommends a 26% allocation, while Nigeria’s own policy suggests at least 26%, but reality paints a very different picture.

This underfunding has fostered a culture of corruption within universities, where students are forced to bribe supervisors, provide gifts, or organize lavish events just to complete their studies. From purchasing snails to hotel bills for panel members, the cost of education is crippling many students.

Despite these challenges, a senior professor argues that these issues stem from third-party complaints, while others advocate for a stronger enforcement of laws to combat such practices. Still, experts emphasize that true reform requires more than just punitive measures—it demands substantial investment in educational infrastructure and resources.

The call for a radical increase in budget allocation is louder than ever, with advocates urging the government to meet the 26% UNESCO benchmark to ensure a brighter future for the nation’s youth.

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