Now Reading: Utomi Urges Government Investment in Education for Economic Prosperity
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Utomi Urges Government Investment in Education for Economic Prosperity
Professor Pat Utomi on July 27, 2025, called for increased government investment in education to boost production and economic prosperity, addressing a capacity-building summit in Lagos.
The political economist highlighted Nigeria’s 33% literacy rate and 5.3 million out-of-school children, per UNESCO 2024 data, linking these to a 40% manufacturing sector decline since 2015. He proposed a 15% education budget increase—currently at 5.4% of GDP—targeting vocational training and teacher recruitment.
Utomi criticized the ₦1.2 trillion 2025 education allocation as inadequate, advocating public-private partnerships to mirror India’s tech boom. The government defends its focus on infrastructure, but critics note a 20% teacher shortage in northern states.
The narrative of education as an economic driver is compelling, though its feasibility depends on funding and political commitment, with public sentiment on X favoring the idea but doubting execution.
