Just a few days ago, Nigeria has witnessed the federal government exercising its ‘constitutional powers’ to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of elected officials, including the governor, deputy governor, and members of the House of Assembly.
While the legality and implications of such actions are subjects of extensive debate, a pressing question arises: Why hasn’t a similar state of emergency been declared in the education sector, which is in dire need of attention?
The Alarming State of Education in Nigeria
Nigeria’s education sector is facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions. According to recent reports, the number of out-of-school children has surged to 18.3 million in 2024, marking a significant increase from previous years. This alarming statistic positions Nigeria as the country with the highest number of out-of-school children globally. Is this not worth declaring a state of emergency in the educational sector?
The distribution of these out-of-school children is particularly concerning in certain states. For instance, Kebbi State has 67.6% of its children aged 6–15 out of school, followed by Sokoto (66.4%) and Yobe (62.9%). These figures highlight regional disparities and underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Demographic Dynamics and Economic Implications
Nigeria’s demographic profile further exacerbates the education crisis. A significant portion of the population comprises young people, with approximately 70% under the age of 30. This youthful demographic presents both an opportunity and a challenge. If harnessed through quality education, it can drive economic growth and innovation. Conversely, neglecting this segment can lead to increased unemployment, social unrest, and a perpetuation of the poverty cycle.
Government’s Response: A Case of Misplaced Priorities?
Despite the glaring issues in the education sector, the government’s interventions appear misaligned with the pressing needs. Initiatives such as the introduction of a new national anthem, procurement of presidential aircraft, and infrastructure projects like coastal roads have been prioritized and ridiculous speed too. While these may have their merits, the overshadowing neglect of education is concerning.In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed the federal government exercising its constitutional powers to declare states of emergency in various regions, notably in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of elected officials, including the governor, deputy governor, and members of the House of Assembly. While the legality and implications of such actions are subjects of extensive debate, a pressing question arises: Why hasn’t a similar state of emergency been declared in the education sector, which is in dire need of attention?
The Alarming State of Education in Nigeria
Nigeria’s education sector is facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions. According to recent reports, the number of out-of-school children has surged to 18.3 million in 2024, marking a significant increase from previous years. This alarming statistic positions Nigeria as the country with the highest number of out-of-school children globally.
The distribution of these out-of-school children is particularly concerning in certain states. For instance, Kebbi State has 67.6% of its children aged 6–15 out of school, followed by Sokoto (66.4%) and Yobe (62.9%). These figures highlight regional disparities and underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Demographic Dynamics and Economic Implications
Nigeria’s demographic profile further exacerbates the education crisis. A significant portion of the population comprises young people, with approximately 70% under the age of 30. This youthful demographic presents both an opportunity and a challenge. If harnessed through quality education, it can drive economic growth and innovation. Conversely, neglecting this segment can lead to increased unemployment, social unrest, and a perpetuation of the poverty cycle.
Government’s Response: A Case of Misplaced Priorities?
Despite the glaring issues in the education sector, the government’s interventions appear misaligned with the pressing needs. Initiatives such as the introduction of a new national anthem, procurement of presidential aircraft, and infrastructure projects like coastal roads have been prioritized. While these may have their merits, the overshadowing neglect of education is concerning.
The government’s swift actions in political matters, exemplified by the rapid declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, contrast sharply with the lethargy in addressing educational deficiencies. This disparity suggests that political survival of the president and those of his cronies often takes precedence over the populace’s well-being.
The Socio-Economic Impact on Families
The repercussions of an underfunded and neglected education system are most felt by ordinary Nigerians. Families now bear increased financial burdens, with school fees in both federal and state institutions doubling or even quadrupling in some cases. This escalation makes education increasingly inaccessible, especially for the impoverished, thereby entrenching the cycle of poverty.
Children deprived of education are more likely to engage in child labor, early marriages, or other detrimental activities. For instance, in regions like Pasali, Nasarawa, children as young as six work in hazardous conditions in illegal mines, earning less than a dollar a day, compromising their health and future prospects.
A Call to Action: Declaring a State of Emergency in Education
The current state of Nigeria’s education system warrants immediate and decisive action. Declaring a state of emergency in the education sector would signify a commitment to addressing the myriad challenges it faces. Such a declaration should be accompanied by:
Increased Funding: Allocating substantial resources to revitalize infrastructure, provide teaching materials, and ensure conducive learning environments.
Teacher Training and Welfare: Investing in the continuous professional development of educators and ensuring they receive fair remuneration to boost morale and effectiveness.
Policy Reforms: Implementing policies that promote inclusive education, address regional disparities, and encourage community participation.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing robust mechanisms to monitor progress, ensure accountability, and make data-driven decisions.
Nigeria’s future stands on the brink, and the key to its survival lies in prioritizing education. With a predominantly youthful population, the country risks economic stagnation, deepening inequality, and worsening social instability if urgent action is not taken. The government must realign its priorities, recognizing that the nation’s long-term stability and progress depend on the quality of education accessible to its children today. Failure to act now will have irreversible consequences for generations to come.
