AWKA/Nigeria: Anambra State has emerged as the highest spender on education in the South-East for the 2026 fiscal year, committing 46.9 per cent of its total budget to the sector.
The figures, drawn from state budget documents and compiled by Statisense, show that Anambra earmarked ₦359 billion for education—nearly half of its total expenditure for the year—making it the largest proportional investment in education among the five South-East states.
A comparative review of the region’s 2026 budgets reveals that while Enugu State allocated a larger absolute sum of ₦521 billion to education, the amount represents 32.7 per cent of its overall budget, placing it behind Anambra in percentage terms.
Abia State set aside ₦203.2 billion for education, accounting for 20 per cent of its total spending plan, while Ebonyi allocated ₦70.14 billion, representing 19.84 per cent.
Imo State recorded the lowest proportional commitment to education, with ₦60.62 billion earmarked for the sector—equivalent to just 4.21 per cent of its 2026 budget.
The data highlights Anambra’s significantly stronger funding priority for education compared to its regional peers, whose allocations fall largely within the 19 to 33 per cent range.
Analysts say the development positions Anambra as the South-East’s leading state in education investment for 2026, based on the share of total budget devoted to the sector.
