The Senate has called on the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation for federal universities in the 2025 budget to address pressing issues in Nigeria’s higher education system.
This follows concerns raised by a lawmaker, Senator Anthony Okorie regarding the growing brain drain affecting the country’s academic sector.
During a Senate briefing, Senator Anthony Okorie presented a resolution highlighting the alarming rate at which highly skilled professionals, particularly in academia, are leaving Nigeria in search of better working conditions abroad.
Okorie expressed concern over the poor remuneration and working conditions for Nigerian lecturers, noting that salaries have not been reviewed in over 15 years and are among the lowest globally.
This situation has worsened the nation’s skills gap and continues to push experienced academics out of the country.
In response, the Senate resolved to mandate its relevant committees to collaborate with the ministers of finance, education, and other key ministries to take immediate steps to curb the brain drain crisis.