What Is Nigeria’s Priority?

The Director General, National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Dogara Ahmed, recently decried the poor quality of graduates sent for youth service. Delivering a lecture titled: ‘Harnessing the Potential of the Nigerian Youths for National Unity and Development’ at the 5th convocation lecture of the Edo State University, Uzairue, on Friday he said that poor quality graduates and other factors were affecting the scheme. Similar comments have been continuously made by organisations and Nigerians in different walks of life who are concerned about the future of the country, if the educational institutions in the country continue to churn out poor quality graduates annually. During this year’s International Day of Education, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) disclosed that 75 per cent of children aged seven to 14 years in Nigeria could not read a simple sentence or solve basic mathematics problems.
Speaking through its representative in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate, the organisation noted that the unacceptable development underlines the poor quality of teaching and learning at the basic education level. But the question is, can one plant a mango tree and expect to harvest oranges? Did not the Holy Book make it clear that what someone sows is what he will reap? So, it will be unrealistic of us to expect to have fantastic graduates coming out from our primary, secondary and higher institutions when no foundation was laid for such. It is no news that many public schools across the country, particularly in the rural areas lack adequate infrastructure and resources. Many of these schools lack basic facilities like classrooms, libraries, and laboratories. No teaching aids, learning materials, including textbooks and a poor learning environment.
The social media are not lacking video clips of students and pupils who are forced to sit on the floor in overcrowded classrooms; pupils learning under trees, teachers teaching the students parts and functions of a computer without the students setting their eyes on a computer. The issue of outdated curriculum is now like an old song. Not a few educationists have criticised the curriculum used in Nigerian schools for its lack of relevance to the needs of the 21st century, describing it as outdated and not adequately preparing students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. This prompted the current Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, to recently, inaugurate an eight-man committee to set up a roadmap for the education sector in the country.
Among the committee’s mandate is to come up with a curriculum from basic to tertiary level that meets the demands of the current times and needs of Nigerian society. The minister emphasised that “One thing I must not fail to add is that we must have an education system that embraces technology and moves into a digital future where our education responds to the demands of society. We need to move away from education for its sake to education for the development, not only of the individual but most importantly, of the society we live in.” Nigerians wait anxiously for the report of the committee and the needed change that will bring to the education sector.However, even with the best curriculum, not much result will be realised without dealing with the issue of insufficient funds which has plagued the education sector for decades.
The allocation of funds to education in the national budget has often fallen below the recommended benchmark of 26 percent set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). As a result, schools struggle to pay teachers’ salaries, maintain facilities, and provide essential learning materials. This lack of funding has a direct impact on the quality of education and the motivation of teachers. Two days ago, President Bola Tinubu signed the 2023 supplementary appropriation bill of N2.17 trillion into law with the student loan scheme getting almost an equal amount with the “presidential yatch.” A whopping sum of N6.9 billion is earmarked for the procurement of vehicles for the State House, and N1.5 billion allocated for new cars for the Office of the First Lady among other frivolous items.Yet, the president had announced during the just concluded retreat for ministers, presidential aides and other top government functionaries that his government would pay adequate attention to education as a sure way of stemming poverty in the country.
What is actually Nigeria’s priority? Is it politics? Is it the nation’s priority to keep collecting foreign loans to ensure that the national lawmakers, the president, governors and other people at the corridors of power maintain an expensive lifestyle even when the education, health and other key sectors of the economy and the generality of the citizens suffer? Education is often considered the cornerstone of national development and progress, and this sentiment holds true for Nigeria, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population. With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria has the potential to be an economic powerhouse and a beacon of hope for the African continent. However, achieving this potential requires prioritising education as a fundamental building block of the nation’s development
Prioritising education in Nigeria is not a choice; it is a necessity. The nation’s future prosperity and development depend on its ability to provide quality education to its citizens. On this year’s education day, with the theme “Invest in People, Prioritise Education,” the UNESCO called on countries to maintain strong political mobilisation around education and chart the way to translate commitments and global initiatives into action. The world body noted that education must be prioritised to accelerate progress towards all the Sustainable Development Goals against the backdrop of a global recession, growing inequalities and the climate crisis. One is not in doubt that the nation’s leaders know the benefits of prioritizing education. But just a reminder. Education is a key driver of economic growth and development. An educated workforce is more likely to attract investment, create innovative solutions, and drive the nation’s economy forward. Prioritising education can help Nigeria tap into its vast human capital and unlock its economic potential.
Education plays a crucial role in reducing poverty, improving healthcare, and promoting gender equality. When individuals are educated, they are more likely to make informed decisions about their health, family, and financial well-being. Education can break the cycle of poverty and lead to overall social development. In an increasingly interconnected world, nations that invest in education are better positioned to compete on the global stage. A well-educated workforce can participate in the global economy, attracting foreign investment and fostering international collaborations. What better way to address the unending insecurity in the country than through education? Education can contribute to national security by promoting social cohesion and reducing the potential for conflict. An educated populace is more likely to be aware of their rights and responsibilities, leading to a more stable and secure nation.
As the world rapidly advances in technology and innovation, a strong education system can prepare Nigerian students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, enabling them to adapt to and contribute to a changing global landscape. Nigerian leaders at both federal and state levels must therefore, quit paying lip service to the issue of education. They should be committed to addressing the challenges in the education system, increasing funding, and reforming the curriculum. What about taking adequate care of the teachers’ welfare and ensuring thorough supervision of the schools to ensure that the approved standard is maintained in all schools across the country. The curriculum needs to be reviewed and updated to include subjects that are more in line with the demands of the modern workforce, such as information technology, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills.
By prioritising education over politics and other selfish interests, the country can unlock its vast human potential and contribute to the betterment of its people and the entire African continent. The time to act is now, for a brighter future for Nigeria and its children.

By: Calista Ezeaku