In a country as dynamic and youthful as Nigeria, education ought to be its strongest pillar, a reliable ladder for upward mobility and national development. Yet, the realities on the ground suggest a system weighed down by deep-rooted challenges. With millions of out-of-school children, decaying infrastructure, underpaid teachers, and outdated curricula, Nigeria’s education sector mirrors a broader national struggle: the gap between policy and practice, between vision and execution. Despite repeated pledges from successive governments and a string of reform attempts, progress remains staggered, inconsistent, and, at times, regressive.
But in this complex web of issues, what stands out most is our collective silence. For a sector so foundational to the country’s future, there is a worrying lack of critical public discourse. How often do we ask the right questions — the ones that challenge the status quo, probe deeper into spending, priorities, and accountability? The problem is not just what we don’t know, but also what we fail to demand answers to. We talk about results, school fees, and certificates, but seldom about structure, vision, or sustainability. Here are ten essential questions we should all be asking — as policymakers, educators, parents, and citizens — if we are to truly rethink and rebuild Nigeria’s education system.
1. Why does Nigeria still have over 20 million out-of-school children?
Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria holds the unenviable title of having the highest number of out-of-school children in the world. According to UNICEF, as of 2023, over 20 million Nigerian children are not in school. This staggering number points to a systemic failure, especially in northern Nigeria, where poverty, insecurity, child marriage, and cultural resistance contribute significantly. Why has the government not been able to address this emergency head-on with targeted and sustainable interventions?
2. How effective is the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme?
The UBE programme was launched in 1999 to provide free and compulsory education for children aged 6–15. However, more than two decades later, basic education in Nigeria remains fraught with dilapidated classrooms, overcrowding, and teacher shortages. If the programme is meant to be compulsory and free, why are many public schools still charging illegal levies? And why are so many children still left behind?
3. Are we adequately funding education?
Nigeria has consistently failed to meet the UNESCO-recommended budget allocation of 15–20% for education. In 2024, only 7.9% of the national budget was allocated to the sector — a figure that falls far short of what is required to transform education outcomes. Without adequate and consistent funding, how can the country build the kind of system that supports learning, innovation, and long-term development?
4. Why are Nigerian teachers among the most underpaid and undervalued professionals?
Teachers remain the bedrock of any education system, yet in Nigeria, they are often underpaid, overworked, and neglected. Many go months without salaries, work in unsafe environments, or lack access to professional development. How can we expect quality education when those responsible for imparting knowledge are not properly trained, compensated, or motivated?
5. Is our curriculum preparing students for the 21st-century world?
The world is rapidly evolving, driven by technology, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Yet, Nigeria’s curriculum remains largely theoretical and exam-focused. Are we equipping our students with the skills needed for the future? Do our classrooms reflect the changing global landscape, or are we still preparing students for a world that no longer exists?
6. Why do many Nigerian students still learn under trees or in broken classrooms?
Across the country, especially in rural areas, the learning environment is often appalling. A 2022 report by the Nigerian Union of Teachers found that over 60% of public primary schools lack basic infrastructure such as toilets, desks, and functional classrooms. How do we reconcile such realities with the image of a country aspiring to digital transformation and economic growth?
7. How are we holding education contractors and officials accountable for abandoned projects?
The country is littered with abandoned school projects — some initiated through federal or state government funds, others through constituency projects. These structures lie in ruins, a clear sign of corruption and negligence. Who is tracking these projects? Who is being held accountable for uncompleted or poorly executed contracts in the education sector?
8. Why is technical and vocational education still sidelined?
Nigeria faces a major unemployment crisis, yet the education system continues to prioritise theory over practical skill development. Vocational and technical education, which could empower millions of youths with job-ready skills, remains marginalised and poorly funded. Why is this vital arm of education not being developed to tackle youth unemployment and underemployment?
9. What role are parents and communities expected to play in the education process?
In many developed countries, education thrives when communities are involved — through school boards, local councils, and parent-teacher associations that actually function. In Nigeria, these partnerships are weak or non-existent. What models are in place to ensure that parents and communities are not just spectators but active participants in shaping the education experience?
10. What is the long-term vision for education in Nigeria — and who is accountable for it?
Beyond promises and manifestos, does Nigeria have a clear and actionable long-term strategy for education? Is there a roadmap that outlines goals for digital learning, inclusive education, teacher training, and infrastructure? If such plans exist, who is monitoring their progress, and who takes the blame when milestones are not met?
In conclusion, the future of Nigeria hinges on the strength of its education system, not just in infrastructure or policies, but in the questions we dare to ask and the actions we are willing to take. These ten questions are not exhaustive, but they open the door to deeper reflection and meaningful dialogue. To remain silent is to accept a system that is broken and unjust. But to ask — and keep asking — is to challenge the norm and pave the way for reform. Nigeria does not lack intelligence, talent, or potential. It lacks the political will, systemic accountability, and public outrage necessary to demand better. If we are to move forward as a nation, we must not only question but also act. Because the real test is not whether we can identify the problems — it is whether we care enough to solve them.
