PDP Group Faults Akwa Ibom’s 2026 Education Budget, Urges Legislative Review
A pressure group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPAJ), has raised strong objections to the Akwa Ibom State Government’s allocation to the education sector in its 2026 budget, describing the provision as grossly inadequate and inconsistent with the state’s development promises.
The group also appealed to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to intervene by reviewing the budget proposal and increasing funding for education to reflect national needs and global standards.
According to media analysis reported on December 26, 2025, the state government earmarked N31.6 billion for education in the 2026 fiscal year.
This figure represents about 2.27 per cent of the total N1.39 trillion budget, a percentage PAPAJ described as alarming for a state with significant financial capacity.
In a statement jointly signed by its chairman, Dr Tom FredFish, and secretary, Mr Savour Uko, and released in Uyo on Saturday, the group said the allocation falls far below internationally accepted benchmarks and undermines the credibility of Governor Umo Eno’s much-publicised ARISE Agenda.
The statement read, “The PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPAJ) expresses deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the abysmally low allocation to education in the Akwa Ibom State Government’s 2026 budget, a move that clearly exposes the insincerity of the Gov. Umo Eno administration’s much-advertised ARISE Agenda.”
PAPAJ further argued that the situation becomes more troubling when compared with allocations made by other states with relatively fewer resources.
“This revelation by media an analyst becomes even more embarrassing when compared with states that have far fewer financial advantages.
The same analysis shows that Anambra State allocated 46.9 per cent of its budget to education, Enugu State committed 32.3 per cent, and Kano State set aside 30 per cent.
These states have demonstrated, through concrete budgetary commitments, that education for them is not just a slogan but a strategic priority, unlike Akwa Ibom State under Gov. Umo Eno,” the statement added.
The group also referenced global standards, noting that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) advises governments to devote between 15 and 20 per cent of public spending to education.
“It is instructive to note that UNESCO recommends that governments allocate between 15 and 20 per cent of public expenditure to education. While several states struggle to meet this benchmark, Akwa Ibom’s allocation of barely two per cent is not just a shortfall; it is a deliberate abandonment of responsibility,” PAPAJ stated.
The group maintained that without urgent legislative action to adjust the budget, the state risks worsening challenges in its education sector and weakening long-term human capital development.
