The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to boost budgetary allocation to federal universities in the 2025 budget.
This move aims to tackle the myriad challenges facing the institutions and stem the growing tide of brain drain.
Senator Anthony Okorie raised the alarm on the floor of the Senate, highlighting the alarming rate of highly educated professionals fleeing Nigeria in search of better working conditions, according to Channels TV.
Okorie attributed this exodus to poor remuneration and subpar working conditions for Nigerian lecturers.
The Senate resolved to mandate its relevant committee to liaise with the Ministers of Finance, Education, and other stakeholders to address the brain drain crisis.
This collaborative effort seeks to develop strategies to retain Nigeria’s highly skilled professionals.
Nigeria’s education sector has struggled with inadequate funding, leading to deteriorating infrastructure and limited research opportunities.
The last review of lecturers’ salaries occurred over 15 years ago, making their compensation among the lowest globally.
The Senate’s resolution aims to reverse this trend, ensuring federal universities receive sufficient funding to provide a conducive environment for academic excellence and national development.
By addressing the root causes of brain drain, Nigeria can reduce the loss of its most talented minds and foster a more competitive education sector.