Anambra State has emerged as the highest spender on education in the South-East for the 2026 fiscal year, allocating 46.9 per cent of its total budget to the sector.

The data was sourced from state budget documents and compiled by Statisense.

A comparative analysis of the 2026 budget figures of the five South-East states shows that Anambra earmarked N359 billion for education, representing nearly half of its total expenditure plan for the year, the highest percentage allocation in the region.

The data indicate that while Enugu State allocated N521 billion to education, the figure 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 20.0 per cent of its total budget, while Ebonyi State allocated N70.14 billion, representing 19.84 per cent.

In contrast, Imo State earmarked N60.62 billion for education, which amounts to 4.21 per cent of its 2026 budget, the lowest share among the five states.

The figures underscore Anambra’s strong commitment to education funding relative to its peers in the region, with its allocation standing significantly above the 19 to 33 per cent range recorded by most of the other South-East states.

Observers say the development positions Anambra as the regional leader in education spending for 2026, based on the proportion of total budget devoted to the sector.

(The Sun)

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