According to a report by Vanguard, the Federal Government disclosed that the funds remained unused as of August 2026, while more than ₦65 billion in counterpart funding was yet to be accessed by states.

The figures have raised concerns over the management of education resources and whether the money allocated to improve schools is translating into better learning outcomes for Nigerian children.

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has stressed the need for states to move beyond accessing funds and ensure that the resources are properly utilised.

Similarly, Punch reported that about 70 per cent of Nigerian children under 10 cannot read and understand a simple sentence, highlighting the scale of the country’s learning crisis.

The development has renewed calls for stronger accountability and more effective use of education funds to ensure that Nigerian children receive the quality education they deserve.