As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, university workers have shared their perspectives on the current state of the nation’s educational system.
Education has long been a vital part of Nigeria’s socio-political development. Before gaining independence in 1960, schools and universities served as key platforms for nurturing political leaders, activists, and intellectuals who led the fight for self-rule.
Over the years, however, the education sector, especially higher institutions, has suffered from significant underfunding. In reaction to this persistent neglect, workers in the sector have issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening to initiate an indefinite strike.
During an interview, the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, voiced serious concerns about the state of education in Nigeria. Given the current conditions, he described the sector as being in “complete ruin” and said there was little to celebrate on Independence Day. Osodeke pointed out that Nigeria’s education system is ranked 64th, a position that highlights its poor state. He emphasised that the infrastructure and learning environments have significantly deteriorated.
He recalled that in the 1960s and 1970s, Nigeria’s education system was universal and attracted lecturers worldwide. However, the situation has changed dramatically, with universities now admitting students who did not meet the minimum requirements in exams like JAMB, some with scores as low as 35. According to him, the current state of the education system offers nothing worth celebrating.
The national president of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, noted that while there is a rise in the number of universities and polytechnics being established, the question remains whether improvements match this growth in teaching quality, learning, and infrastructure. He questioned whether Nigeria has enough qualified staff to manage these institutions effectively.
While the country may have many institutions, the government is failing to adequately fund tertiary education and public schools. There is a shortage of equipment, insufficient staffing, and a lack of proper training, which is unacceptable. Both students and staff are being deprived of the quality education and support they deserve.
He further emphasised that no nation can progress under such conditions. Education forms the foundation of any society, and if the government prioritizes quality education, it could reduce spending in areas such as healthcare and security. An educated populace is more engaged, self-sufficient, and productive, especially when their education is aligned with their needs. Quality education equips individuals to contribute meaningfully to society, reducing their dependence on government assistance.
Hope for Nigeria
Despite ongoing challenges, Dr. Gever Celestine, a lecturer in the Mass Communication Department at the University of Nigeria, believes that Nigeria is making progress in education. However, he emphasized the need for greater government investment in infrastructure and better teacher welfare to sustain this momentum. He pointed out that Nigeria’s education system has achieved significant advancements, even though there are still obstacles. It’s noteworthy that Nigerian-trained professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and IT experts, are excelling in developed countries, demonstrating the value of the education they received in Nigeria. It’s common to find these professionals making valuable contributions to the economies of other nations.
Dr. Gever also highlighted that within Nigeria, the educational system has produced individuals who have become successful business owners or valuable employees in various organizations. He reiterated that while progress is being made, increased investment in infrastructure and teacher welfare is necessary for continued improvement.
In agreement, Dr. Oladipo Kolawole, a lecturer at Adeleke University in Osun, called for the Nigerian government to prioritize education funding. He suggested aiming for UNESCO’s recommended 26% of the national budget, as current funding falls below 10%, leading to insufficient resources, poor infrastructure, and low teacher salaries.
As Nigeria celebrates its 64th anniversary, Dr. Kolawole stressed the need for immediate improvements in the education sector. He proposed utilizing Nigeria’s over 140 million active mobile phone lines to enhance education delivery, especially in remote areas, through e-learning platforms and teacher training in digital tools. Furthermore, he called for increased investment in teacher training to provide educators with modern skills.
Dr. Kolawole also advocated for a comprehensive review of the education curriculum to align it with job market demands and technological advancements, incorporating entrepreneurship and digital skills. He emphasized the importance of expanding vocational training centers to equip students with practical skills, helping reduce unemployment among graduates.
Revitalizing Nigeria’s education sector is critical for national development and prosperity. Through increased funding, embracing technology, improving teacher quality, reforming curricula, and involving key stakeholders in policy development, Nigeria can create a stronger education system that prepares future generations for success.
