The Senate has urged the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocations to federal universities in the 2025 budget to address the pressing challenges faced by Nigerian universities.
Additionally, the lawmakers passed a resolution directing the relevant Senate committee to collaborate with the Ministers of Finance, Education, and other key ministries to take immediate measures to curb the rising brain drain in the country.
This decision followed a motion raised by Senator Anthony Okorie, who voiced concern over the growing issue of brain drain, particularly the significant exodus of highly educated professionals from Nigeria, especially within the academic sector. He noted that the search for better working conditions abroad is worsening the country’s skill gap.
Okorie also highlighted the poor remuneration and working conditions of Nigerian lecturers, emphasizing that their pay—unchanged for over 15 years—is among the lowest globally, contributing to the continued departure of experienced academics to other countries.