Peter Obi Blames Weak Leadership As FG Reviews JSS, SSS Policy

Peter Obi has criticised the Federal Government’s handling of Nigeria’s education sector, saying the crisis reflects weak leadership and poor funding.

Obi made the comments on Friday while reacting to the government’s move to phase out the policy separating junior and senior secondary schools.

He said the government had effectively admitted poor management of the sector after acknowledging that the JSS and SSS separation had failed to improve learning outcomes.

The former Anambra State governor pointed to recent examination results, including the 2024 WAEC figure showing that 38.32 per cent of candidates passed English and Mathematics and the 2025 computer-based WASSCE figure of about 32 per cent.

Obi also criticised the 2026 education allocation of N3.52tn, representing 6.17 per cent of total expenditure, saying it falls below UNESCO’s recommended 15 to 20 per cent benchmark.

He argued that Nigeria cannot tackle economic stagnation without stronger investment in education, healthcare and jobs for young people.

Sources: Punch, Daily Post