Concerns are mounting over the planned withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), with stakeholders warning that the move could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria and Africa, particularly in education, cultural preservation, infrastructure development, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The decision is part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second-term foreign policy agenda, which includes pulling out of several global organisations. The administration has already moved to exit the World Health Organisation (WHO), halt funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council—all as part of a sweeping reassessment of Washington’s engagement with the UN system.
Impact on Nigeria and Africa
Nigeria, like many African nations, relies heavily on international partnerships and funding for critical projects, especially in education and health. The U.S. withdrawal, expected to take effect in December 2026, could undermine UNESCO’s programmes on education, cultural development, and efforts to combat hate speech.
While the U.S. accounts for roughly 8% of UNESCO’s budget, stakeholders argue that its exit will still weaken the organisation’s capacity to support development initiatives across Africa. UNESCO currently runs several key programmes in Nigeria focused on cultural heritage and educational access.
History of U.S.–UNESCO tensions
This would be the third time the U.S. has left UNESCO. It first withdrew in 1983 under President Ronald Reagan, citing what it described as “anti-Western bias.” The country rejoined in 2003 under President George W. Bush, only to pull out again in 2017 during Trump’s first term, alleging “mounting arrears, a need for reform, and anti-Israel bias.”
In 2023, President Joe Biden restored U.S. membership, arguing that engagement with UNESCO was necessary to counter “growing Chinese influence.” As part of its return, Washington agreed to pay $619 million in arrears and fund programmes promoting educational access in Africa, Holocaust remembrance, and journalist safety.
The Barack Obama administration had earlier frozen contributions to UNESCO, leading to substantial arrears and financial strain for the agency.
Stakeholders react
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has confirmed that the organisation anticipated the latest U.S. exit and had prepared contingency measures. However, Nigerian stakeholders say the withdrawal is a major setback.
Prof. Michael Omolewa, former Nigeria Permanent Delegate to UNESCO and ex-President of the UNESCO General Conference, described the move as “pathetic.”
“This is the period when the world needs the mission of UNESCO more than ever, particularly in ensuring equitable distribution of resources despite varying levels of national capacity,” he said.
Omolewa warned that the exit could trigger further instability:
“There is a crisis everywhere, and therefore, the need for peace, reconciliation, and harmonious relationships among people, states, and nations. If and when the United States leaves, you can be sure that Israel will automatically follow. Some allied states may also decide to withdraw, which will further weaken UNESCO’s financial capability,” he added.
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