As Nigeria marks its sixty fourth Independence Anniversary at this time, college staff have expressed their views on the state of the nation’s academic system.
Training has at all times been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s socio-political evolution. Within the years main as much as independence in 1960, colleges and universities had been essential breeding grounds for political leaders, activists, and intellectuals who championed the nation’s battle for self-governance.
Nonetheless, over time, the schooling sector, notably tertiary establishments, has been severely underfunded. In response to this ongoing neglect, staff within the sector have issued an ultimatum to the Federal Authorities, threatening to embark on an indefinite strike.
The Nationwide President of the Tutorial Workers Union of Universities, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, in an interview with our correspondent expressed deep concern over the state of schooling in Nigeria, describing it as being in “full damage.” He additional remarked that, given the present state of the sector, there was little to rejoice on this Independence Day.
He mentioned, “Nigeria stays at a dismal rating of 64, which displays the dire state of schooling within the nation. It’s evident to everybody that our schooling system is in ruins. Whether or not it’s by way of infrastructure or offering a conducive studying setting, every part has deteriorated.
“Within the Nineteen Sixties and Nineteen Seventies, Nigeria had a common schooling system that attracted lecturers from everywhere in the world. As we speak, the scenario is drastically totally different. We now admit college students who didn’t even meet the minimal requirements in exams like JAMB, with some scoring as little as 35. There’s actually nothing to rejoice within the present state of our schooling system.”
Additionally, the nationwide president, Senior Workers Affiliation of Nigerian Universities, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim added, “We’re seeing a rise within the variety of universities and polytechnics being established, however is that this development matched by the standard of educating, studying, and infrastructure? Do we’ve the required variety of certified workers to handle these establishments? We could boast of getting many establishments, however the authorities is falling brief in funding tertiary schooling and public colleges.
“There’s a lack of apparatus, insufficient staffing, and inadequate coaching, which is unacceptable. Each college students and workers will not be receiving the standard schooling and assist they deserve.
“No nation can develop underneath these circumstances. Training is the bedrock of society. If we prioritize high quality schooling, we’ll scale back spending in areas like healthcare and safety. Individuals can be extra engaged, self-sufficient, and productive, particularly if the schooling they obtain is related to their wants. High quality schooling empowers people to contribute meaningfully to society relatively than counting on the federal government for every part.”
Regardless of the challenges, a lecturer on the Mass Communication Division, College of Nigeria, Dr Gever Celestine, mentioned he believed Nigeria was making progress however for elevated authorities funding in infrastructure and improved trainer welfare to maintain this momentum.
He added, “The schooling sector in Nigeria has made vital strides, regardless of some challenges. It might appear ironic to assert that progress isn’t being made when Nigerian-trained medical doctors, engineers, IT specialists, and different professionals are thriving in developed nations. The Nigerian academic system is efficiently producing graduates who’re extremely valued within the world workforce. The truth is, it’s uncommon to go to any nation with out encountering Nigerian-trained professionals contributing to their economies.”
Gever, famous, “Again house, the Nigerian academic system has successfully educated people who’ve turn out to be both profitable enterprise homeowners or worthwhile staff in varied organisations.”
“Due to this fact, I assess that we’re certainly making progress, although there stay areas that require intervention. The federal government ought to improve its funding in infrastructure and improve the welfare of academics to make sure they will proceed to ship their greatest.”
One other lecturer on the Adeleke College, Osun, Dr Oladipo Kolawole, recommended that the Nigerian authorities to prioritise schooling funding, aiming to satisfy UNESCO’s suggestion of allocating at the very least 26 per cent of the nationwide finances to schooling.
He lamented that presently, funding was under 10 per cent, leading to insufficient assets, poor infrastructure, and low trainer salaries.
Kolawole mentioned, “As Nigeria approaches its sixty fourth anniversary, there’s an pressing want for enchancment within the schooling sector. The federal government should prioritize schooling funding, aiming to satisfy UNESCO’s suggestion of at the very least 26 per cent of the nationwide finances, as present funding is usually under 10 per cent. This underfunding has resulted in insufficient assets, poor infrastructure, and low trainer salaries
“With over 140 million energetic cell phone traces in Nigeria, leveraging expertise can improve academic supply, particularly in distant areas. The federal government ought to put money into e-learning platforms and trainer coaching in digital instruments. Moreover, vital investments in trainer coaching applications are important to equip educators with fashionable expertise.”
He maintained {that a} complete assessment of the schooling curriculum was wanted to align it with job market calls for and technological developments, incorporating topics like entrepreneurship and digital expertise.
“Increasing vocational coaching facilities can also be essential for equipping college students with sensible expertise to scale back unemployment charges amongst graduates.
“Revitalising the schooling sector is crucial for Nigeria’s nationwide improvement and prosperity. By growing funding, embracing expertise, enhancing trainer high quality, reforming curricula, and involving stakeholders in coverage improvement, Nigeria can construct a extra strong schooling system that prepares future generations for fulfillment,” he mentioned.