Anambra’s Education ranking has plummetted to 33rd, raising alarms ahead of 2025 elections.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that once celebrated as Nigeria’s model for academic excellence, Anambra State has fallen dramatically to 33rd place in the 2025 National Education Index, sparking concern among educators, policymakers, and citizens.
The decline marks a stark contrast to the state’s golden years under former Governor Peter Obi.
Obi’s Era: A Legacy of Reform
Between 2006 and 2014, Governor Peter Obi introduced sweeping reforms that transformed education in Anambra. His decision to return schools to religious missions was hailed for restoring discipline and academic standards. Under his leadership:
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The state rose from 26th to 1st in national rankings for WASSCE and NECO results.
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Dozens of schools were renovated and equipped with laboratories.
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Education funding nearly doubled, from ₦12 billion in 2006 to ₦25 billion by 2014.
Obi’s model became a benchmark for other states nationwide.
Obiano’s Plateau
Governor Willie Obiano (2014–2022) inherited Obi’s successes but failed to push the sector forward. While maintaining existing policies, his administration faced criticism for stagnation:
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Limited teacher recruitment, with less than 15% of needed staff hired.
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Budgets stagnated between ₦28–₦30 billion, failing to keep pace with population growth and inflation.
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Infrastructure upgrades slowed, leaving many schools reliant on older facilities.
Anambra slipped in rankings but maintained moderate performance during his tenure.
Soludo Under Fire
Under Governor Charles Soludo, elected in 2022, the state’s education sector has sharply declined. The 2025 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index ranked Anambra 33rd in education infrastructure and capital expenditure per capita. Key issues include:
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Poor facilities, with many schools lacking libraries, labs, and ICT tools.
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Teacher shortages, particularly in science and mathematics.
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Questionable budget prioritization, despite ₦33 billion allocated in 2024.
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Anambra’s absence from NECO’s top 12 states in 2024—the first since 2014.
Critics argue the downturn is at odds with Soludo’s academic reputation, calling it a troubling paradox.
Political Fallout
The crisis has become a hot-button issue ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial election. YPP candidate Paul Chukwuma condemned the decline, branding it “a dangerous signal for the future of our children.” He has promised a “New Anambra Agenda” with a focus on revitalizing education through modern infrastructure, teacher empowerment, and data-driven policy reforms.
A Cautionary Tale
Analysts say reversing the decline will require bold interventions—ranging from teacher training to community-driven education policies. Many argue that Anambra’s story demonstrates how leadership choices can either elevate or cripple a state’s future.
As campaigns heat up, education is emerging as a defining election issue, with the state’s children and future hanging in the balance.
