Nigeria, popularly known as the giant of Africa, faces a paradox when it comes to education. Despite being one of the continent’s largest economies and having a rich cultural heritage, its educational system is fraught with challenges from top to bottom. According to UNICEF,.the country has over 10 million out-of-school children, which is one of the highest in the world. Another 27 million children in school are performing very poorly. Millions of Nigerians are half-educated, and over 60 million – or 30% – are illiterate. The problems in the education sector are numerous, including dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate funding, unqualified teachers, outdated curricula, insufficient educational policies, and the neglect of technical and vocational education, the list is endless. However, the situation is not beyond repair.
The Nigerian education sector is grossly underfunded. Despite the UNESCO recommendation that countries should allocate at least 15-20% of their national budget to education, Nigeria spends significantly less. Recdntly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted to the National Assembly proposed a N27.5 trillion expenditure for the 2024 fiscal year. A review of the budget indicates that the education sector got N1.54 trillion, representing 6.39 per cent of the total budget. This is far below the 15 per cent recommendation by UNESCO. This inadequate funding is the genesis of most of the problems in the education sector. It leads to a cascade of problems, including poor infrastructure, lack of teaching materials, and insufficient teacher salaries. The government must increase the budgetary allocation to education to meet or exceed the UNESCO recommendation. This funding should be consistent and not subject to the whims of political changes. Also, there should be transparency and accountability in the utilisation of funds allocated. The government should establish a robust monitoring and evaluation strategy which can ensure that allocated funds are used effectively and reach the intended beneficiaries.
Many Nigerian schools, particularly in rural areas, operate in deplorable conditions. Most classrooms are overcrowded, and basic amenities like water, sanitation, and electricity are lacking. This creates an unconducive learning environment. Conducting a comprehensive audit of existing educational facilities can help identify specific needs and prioritise interventions. After identifying the needs, investment in modern infrastructure, including well-ventilated classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and ICT facilities, is essential. Ensuring that every school has access to clean water and sanitation facilities is equally important. Also, a maintenance culture through regular inspections and repairs can prevent infrastructure from falling into disrepair. Schools should have dedicated maintenance budgets and teams.
Teachers are the backbone of any educational system, yet in Nigeria, many are underqualified and underpaid. The teaching profession often attracts those who see it as a last resort rather than a calling, leading to a lack of passion and commitment. Continuous professional development through workshops, seminars, and further education should be mandated for all teacgers. Teachers should be equipped with modern pedagogical skills and subject matter knowledge. Also, the standards for teacher recruitment should be raised to ensure that only qualified and passionate individuals enter the profession. This might include more rigorous certification processes and entry exams. For teachers that are employed already, improving teacher salaries and providing incentives like housing, healthcare, and scholarships for further education can boost morale and attract talent. Recognising and rewarding outstanding teachers can also serve as another way of motivating teachers to do more.
The Nigerian curriculum is often criticised for being outdated and disconnected from the realities of the job market and societal needs. It tends to focus more on rote learning rather than critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Regular reviews and updates of the curriculum to reflect current knowledge and future job market demands are necessary. This should involve stakeholders from various sectors, including industry experts, educators, and policymakers. Integrating local content into the curriculum can make education more relevant to students’ lives. This includes teaching about local history, culture, and economic activities. Emphasising critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills through hands-on learning and problem-solving activities can better prepare students for the future. Including subjects like coding, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship from an early age is crucial since the world is becoming technology.
Nigeria’s educational policies often suffer from poor implementation and lack of continuity. Changes in government frequently lead to shifts in policy direction, creating instability and confusion. Establishing a long-term national education policy that transcends political administrations can provide stability. This policy should be developed through a participatory process involving all stakeholders. Decentralising educational governance to give more power to local authorities can improve responsiveness to local needs. Schools should have greater autonomy in decision-making while being held accountable for their performance. Also, utilising data and research to inform policy decisions can lead to more effective interventions. Establishing a national education database can help track progress and identify areas.
There is a disproportionate emphasis on formal academic education in Nigeria, with technical and vocational education often being neglected. This creates a skills gap in the labour market and limits opportunities for students who are not academically inclined. Investing in modern technical and vocational education and training (TVET) facilities and curricula can provide students with the skills needed in the job market. Partnerships with industries can ensure that training is aligned with current demands. Implementing comprehensive career guidance programs in schools can help students understand the value of vocational education and make informed career choices. Encouraging apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training can provide practical experience and improve employability. Government incentives for businesses that take on apprentices can facilitate.
The educational system in Nigeria is undoubtedly in a state of crisis, but it is not beyond repair. Addressing the issues requires a holistic approach, involving increased funding, improved infrastructure, better teacher quality, updated curricula, stronger educational policies, and a renewed focus on technical and vocational education. If we take these steps, Nigeria can transform its education sector, ensuring that every child receives a quality education and is equipped to contribute to the nation’s development. It is a challenging journey, but with commitment and collaboration, the goal of a robust and equitable education system is attainable.
