Anambra State allocates 46.9% more to education in 2026 budget, funding new schools, teacher welfare, bursaries, and digital skills initiatives.
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has demonstrated a strong commitment to education in the 2026 “Changing Gears 3.0” budget, allocating ₦757.9 billion overall, with the Education sector receiving a remarkable 46.9% increase year-on-year – the largest of any major sector.
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Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, described the increase as a “declaration of war on mediocrity” and a strategic investment in Anambra’s children and youth as tomorrow’s leaders.
“The ultimate measure of this administration will be the quality of human capital it leaves behind,” Aburime said, noting that the budget will fund the construction of new model public primary schools in 30 previously underserved communities, offering children access to fully equipped 21st-century facilities for the first time.
The budget also prioritises upgrades to existing primary and secondary schools, with ASUBEB spearheading the renovation and creation of classrooms, laboratories, libraries, ICT centres, perimeter fencing, and sanitation facilities.
Plans include the potential establishment of two new specialist tertiary institutions, possibly focused on Engineering/Technology and Medical Sciences.
Key initiatives include sustaining free education from kindergarten through SS3, expanding the bursary scheme, and enhancing partnerships with mission schools.
A high-level committee will identify new support areas for mission schools beyond the current ₦1.2 billion monthly salary allocation.
Digital education is another focus, with plans to complete and equip additional smart schools, distribute tablets, expand broadband connectivity, and retrain teachers in digital pedagogy.
Teachers’ welfare will remain a top priority, including prompt salaries, promotions, arrears clearance, and ongoing in-service training.
Aburime highlighted the broader impact, including universal basic education, reduced out-of-school children, rising public-school enrolment – already up 27% in primary and 47% in secondary schools since 2022 – and long-term crime reduction by keeping children in school.
He added that smart schools, specialist tertiary institutions, and digital skills integration will produce graduates capable of driving innovation, creating companies like Flutterwave, Andela, or Paystack from Anambra. The state’s dominance in WAEC, JAMB, and Olympiads is expected to be further strengthened.
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“Roads will not last forever, factories will modernise, but the minds shaped in 2026 will lead Anambra, Nigeria, and Africa into the future,” Aburime concluded. “This education revolution will be chapter one in the history of Anambra’s rise.”
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
