Media consultant Dr. Marcel Mbamalu has highlighted chronic underfunding, a shortage of teachers, and outdated curricula as key barriers preventing the delivery of quality education in Nigeria.

He cautioned that the persistent neglect of the sector—described as the backbone of economic and social transformation—poses serious risks. With over 18.3 million children out of school, including 10.2 million at the primary level and 8.1 million in junior secondary schools, he urged policymakers to take decisive action.

Mbamalu stressed that “education is not just a social imperative but the cornerstone of economic growth, security, and sustainable progress.” He explained that insecurity, cultural barriers, and inadequate funding “keep millions from classrooms, eroding human capital and threatening growth.”

Noting that Nigeria currently allocates only seven percent of its national budget to education—far below UNESCO’s recommended 15–20 percent—he pointed out that “poor infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms, often operating at over 150 percent capacity, limit practical skill acquisition and the teaching of critical technical competencies.”

He warned that ignoring education deepens unemployment and poverty, further worsening insecurity. According to him, “over 30 million people face acute food insecurity, with 2.3 million displaced by violence in the northeast alone.”

As a solution, Mbamalu urged the government to raise the education budget and provide adequate funding for infrastructure, teacher welfare, and learning materials. He also called for free and compulsory basic education to ensure universal access, stressing that “investments in ICT and digital learning are essential to equip students with skills for modern economies.