The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has announced a significant investment of $1,045,176,470 (approximately N177 billion) into education infrastructure across the FCT. This commitment includes a counterpart funding of N3.5 billion from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), underscoring the administration’s dedication to transforming the education sector.
Speaking at the Sixth International Conference on Learning Cities in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia, Wike, represented by the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, highlighted that Abuja’s annual budget allocation for education has exceeded UNESCO’s recommended 26% benchmark.
Wike detailed the accomplishments achieved through these investments, noting the renovation of 21 primary and junior secondary schools and the establishment of 30 senior secondary schools. He further revealed that N14.5 billion has been allocated for the completion and launch of the FCT University in Abaji, enhancing the region’s higher education capacity.
According to Wike, “UNESCO recommends that nations allocate at least 26% of their budget to education to address critical needs such as teacher training, infrastructure, and educational technology. Abuja’s budget surpasses this benchmark, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to educational development.”
He also emphasized the administration’s focus on training and retraining educators, ensuring that the FCT adheres to the “whole school” approach promoted by UNESCO. This system fosters peace, security, and tolerance through global awareness and lifelong learning.
The International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC 6), which centers on promoting climate action through lifelong learning, brought together policymakers, educators, and stakeholders from UNESCO learning cities worldwide. The event underscored the importance of education in addressing global challenges like climate change.
Key Highlights of FCT’s Education Investmentincluded
$1.05 billion (N177 billion) committed to education infrastructure, Renovation of 21 primary and junior secondary schools, Establishment of 30 senior secondary schools, N14.5 billion allocated for the completion of FCT University, Abaji
Austine Elemue, Special Adviser on Media to the FCT Minister of State, quoted the minister to have reiterated the administration’s commitment to educational excellence, noting that Abuja remains a model learning city under UNESCO’s framework.