Education Spending: Nigeria
Nigeria's education spending is currently 0.319 % of GDP as of 2023. # Nigeria Education Spending Nigeria allocated just 0.
Current (2023)
0.319 % of GDP
-8.6% y/y
Peak (1974)
3.21 % of GDP
Low (2023)
0.319 % of GDP
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1974–2023 · 14 pts
Education Spending — Nigeria
1974 — 2023
Education Spending — Nigeria
Analysis# Nigeria Education Spending
Nigeria allocated just 0.319% of GDP to education in 2023, marking both a record low and a dramatic reversal from its all-time peak of 3.21% in 1974. Over the past five decades, education spending has collapsed by 90.1%, reflecting a fundamental shift in fiscal priorities. This represents one of the steepest declines in public investment in the sector among comparable nations during this period.
The downward trend accelerated after 2014, when spending stood at 0.471% of GDP. By 2019, allocations had fallen to 0.358%, and despite minor fluctuations between 2020 and 2022, the trajectory remained consistently downward. The 2023 figure of 0.319% suggests Nigeria's education budget continues contracting, raising concerns about infrastructure development, teacher training, and workforce readiness in Africa's most populous nation.
Historical Data
14 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0.319 % of GDP | -8.60% |
| 2022 | 0.349 % of GDP | -8.64% |
| 2021 | 0.382 % of GDP | +6.11% |
| 2020 | 0.36 % of GDP | +0.56% |
| 2019 | 0.358 % of GDP | -14.76% |
| 2018 | 0.42 % of GDP | +6.06% |
| 2017 | 0.396 % of GDP | +0.76% |
| 2016 | 0.393 % of GDP | -10.07% |
| 2015 | 0.437 % of GDP | -7.22% |
| 2014 | 0.471 % of GDP | -11.80% |
| 2013 | 0.534 % of GDP | -2.73% |
| 2012 | 0.549 % of GDP | -82.08% |
| 1975 | 3.064 % of GDP | -4.55% |
| 1974 | 3.21 % of GDP | — |
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