Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, on Thursday submitted a 2025 budget proposal totaling N396.59 billion to the state House of Assembly, emphasizing the critical roles of education and health in the state’s development agenda.
The budget, titled ‘Budget of Economic and Social Development’, prioritizes education with an allocation of N70.14 billion, the highest among all sectors. Health follows closely with a proposed N39.01 billion allocation.
During his presentation, Nwifuru highlighted the administration’s focus on fostering industrialization, promoting economic growth, and enhancing residents’ living standards.
“Our administration is committed to repositioning educational training to ensure entrepreneurial knowledge and skills acquisition for economic self-reliance at all levels. Pursuant to this, we have introduced reforms in the curriculum of basic and secondary education, with emphasis on technology and science,” Nwifuru stated.
He also underscored the state’s commitment to integrating technology-driven education, emphasizing the recruitment of teachers skilled in technology and entrepreneurial subjects as part of ongoing reforms.
In terms of sectoral allocations, the economic and social sectors take precedence, with N200.13 billion, 50.46% and N141.18 billion, 35.60%, respectively.
The administrative sector is set to receive N50.9 billion, accounting for 12.83% of the budget, while N4.1 billion (1.04%) is allocated to the law and justice sector.
Nwifuru expressed confidence that these allocations would bolster the state’s industrial foundation, enhance infrastructure, and improve social services.
The House of Assembly is expected to commence deliberations on the proposal in the coming weeks.
