This study attempts to evaluate the level of achievements of the funding benchmarks for the 2009 educational reform in Nigeria covering the period 2009 to 2016. The study selected three federal tertiary institutions, namely; Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna (KADPOLY) and Federal College of Education (FCE), Zaria which give insight into the main categories of tertiary education. The study had a sample size of 247 from an accessible population of 644 directly linked to formulation of policy, consisting of members of staff, students, Alumni and extended Management of the selected federal tertiary institutions (ABU, Zaria, FCE, Zaria and KADPOLY), management of FME, JAMB and regulatory bodies (NUC, NBTE, NCCE). Results indicate that government funding as per the 2009 educational reforms was not achieved either at the federal level (26% of National budget or in any of the three tertiary institutions (50% annual increase from 2011 – 2016). Specifically, ABU, Zaria actually received 86.8% with a shortfall of 13.2%. While FCE, Zaria actually received 40.8% with a shortfall of 59.2%, and KADPOLY actually received 31.5% with a shortfall of 68.5%. Comparatively, the reform benchmark of 50% annually increase in government funding was least achieved in KADPOLY (31.5%) followed by FCE, Zaria (40.8%), the highest was ABU, Zaria (86.8%). Results also indicate that the 26% funding to the educational sector by UNESCO prescription was not achieved in Nigeria. This adversely affected infrastructural provisions and other quality of education inputs. The study recommends that government should ensure both the UNESCO (26% national budget) and FME Roadmap (50% annual increase) benchmarks for funding the education sector are attained to enhance revitalization of tertiary institutions and for the provisions of needed infrastructure for enduring teaching and research. The 2009 education reforms should like other reforms initiated by the president Obasanjo regime in 2004, (Power, Pension, Public Service Bureau) be backed up by legislation into appropriate sanctions by defaulter enhance attainment of benchmarks. Alternative performance bonds be administered to key government officials to achieve targets or be duly reprimanded in line with new public management practices.

Keywords : Education, Educational Reforms, Funding, Quality Education