A pressure group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPAJ), has faulted the Akwa Ibom State government’s N31.6 billion allocation to the education sector in its 2026 budget, describing it as a mockery of the administration’s much-publicised ARISE Agenda.
The group also urged the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to review the budget and significantly increase funding for education in line with national needs and international best practices.
In a statement issued in Uyo on Saturday, PAPAJ Chairman, Tom FredFish, and Secretary, Mr Savour Uko, condemned what they described as a grossly inadequate allocation to a critical sector, noting that it falls far below the benchmark recommended by UNESCO.
“The PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice expresses deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the abysmally low allocation to education in the Akwa Ibom State government’s 2026 budget,” the statement said.
“This decision clearly exposes the insincerity of the Governor Umo Eno administration’s much-advertised ARISE Agenda.”
The group said the allocation was embarrassing when compared with those of other states, citing Anambra State which allocated 46.9 percent of its budget to education, Enugu State 32.3 percent, and Kano State 30 percent.
“These states have demonstrated through concrete budgetary commitments that education is a strategic priority, unlike Akwa Ibom State under Gov. Umo Eno,” the group stated.
Read also:
- Why React is undisputed champion of front-end development in 2024
- Tracka flays non-disclosure of budget details in 2024 intervention projects
- Nigeria slides in 2023 global tobacco industry interference ratings
PAPAJ recalled that UNESCO recommends that governments devote between 15 and 20 percent of public expenditure to education, stressing that Akwa Ibom’s allocation of barely two percent amounted to a deliberate abandonment of responsibility.
The group further criticised what it described as a contradiction between the government’s rhetoric and action, noting that the ARISE Agenda places education as a core pillar.
“It is ironic and unacceptable that the Akwa Ibom APC government, which loudly proclaims the ARISE Agenda, would undermine the education sector through its budget,” the statement added.
“Education cannot thrive on slogans and speeches; it requires substantial and sustained investment.”
PAPAJ argued that the state’s strong financial position leaves no justification for such low spending on education, warning that the long-term consequences would be borne by the youth, workforce and overall development of the state.
“A society that under-funds education mortgages its tomorrow,” the group warned.
It therefore called on the state government and the House of Assembly to urgently revisit the 2026 budget and raise education funding to acceptable levels, insisting that failure to do so would further expose the ARISE Agenda as “a hollow mantra rather than a genuine development blueprint.”
