NUT Urges Better Funding for Public Schools After Private Schools Shine at Global Olympiad

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on the Federal Government to improve funding, infrastructure and teachers' welfare in public schools, following the impressive performance of students from private schools at the 2026 International STEM Olympiad. Speaking on the trend, NUT President, Audu Amba, said the success of private schools in international academic competitions does not necessarily reflect superior teaching quality. He argued that many experienced and highly qualified teachers are employed in public schools but are constrained by inadequate learning facilities and poor funding. According to Amba, the condition of many public schools makes it difficult for students to perform at their full potential, despite the competence of their teachers. He stressed that improving school infrastructure and creating a more conducive learning environment would help public schools compete more effectively with private institutions. At the 2026 International STEM Olympiad held in Rome, Nigerian students—predominantly from private secondary schools—won several gold, silver and bronze medals in Mathematics, Science, Coding, Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. Among the standout performers were Anele Marvellous, who secured double gold medals in Mathematics and Science and emerged the world's best in Science; Chimdiebube Onwubiko, who won gold in Junior Mathematics and silver in Science; and Egejurum Ethan, who claimed gold in Mathematics and was recognised as the world's best in Primary Mathematics. The Ambassadors College, Ogun State, ranked among Nigeria's top-performing schools, winning 33 medals, while Children's International School, Lagos, finished third globally with 36 awards. Gonzaga Jesuit College, Okija, and Graceland International School also recorded outstanding performances, with several students earning global honours in their respective categories. Amba noted that many of the successful students came from families with the financial capacity to provide quality education and additional academic support. He maintained that if public schools receive adequate investment and become more attractive learning environments, they would also produce students capable of excelling in international competitions. He urged governments at all levels to prioritise education funding, improve teachers' welfare and provide modern learning facilities, describing these measures as essential to strengthening Nigeria's public education system and ensuring equal opportunities for all learners.