Revitalising Nigeria’s Education Sector

The education sector in Nigeria faces significant challenges. Despite government efforts, the sector continues to face hurdles such as poverty, teacher shortages, disparities in access, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, and many out-of-school children. According to a 2022 UNICEF report, Nigeria’s out-of-school population accounts for 15 per cent of the global total. In a similar 2022 report, UNESCO estimates that about 20 million Nigerian individuals are not enrolled in schools, about 20 per cent of the population. The country’s youth potential, often described as a demographic dividend, is underutilised as its young people are ill-equipped to compete in a globalised economy. International cooperation has played a pivotal role in addressing these issues. However, persistent challenges such as economic instability, political unrest, and insufficient government investment have hindered progress.

The challenges in Nigeria’s education sector are manifold. Infrastructure is dilapidated, with overcrowded classrooms, a shortage of basic amenities, and a wide gap between urban and rural schools. Teacher absenteeism is endemic, and those present often lack the requisite qualifications. The curriculum is outdated, failing to equip students with the skills demanded by the 21st century. And the spectre of insecurity, especially with kidnappings and attacks on schools, as well as the Monday sit-at-home exercise in the South East, has cast a long shadow over the education sector. Schools have become unsafe for students across academic levels due to the fear and actions of violent non-state actors. Underfunding is another chronic problem. Government spending on education remains far below international benchmarks. Private schools, though often of higher quality, are beyond the reach of most Nigerians, exacerbating inequality. The result is a system that produces graduates ill-prepared for the workforce, contributing to Nigeria’s high unemployment rate.

Nigeria’s educational challenges necessitate a multifaceted approach involving international collaboration. Sustainable partnerships with diverse actors, including intergovernmental organisations, foreign governments, NGOs, and the private sector, are crucial for addressing multifaceted issues through financial support, technical expertise, capacity building, and policy guidance. International partners have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s education landscape. For instance, UNICEF prioritises education access for marginalised children, particularly girls, through initiatives like the Girls’ Education Project, which increased girls’ enrolment in schools in northern Nigeria by 1.5 million. The World Bank’s financial backing has supported projects like Partnership for Education, which aims to improve basic education, especially for girls in northern Nigeria, and Better Education Service for All (BESDA), which focuses on reducing out-of-school children and enhancing literacy. USAID’s efforts emphasise literacy improvement, teacher quality enhancement, and expanded educational access. These partnerships underscore the global commitment to Nigeria’s educational progress. Their combined efforts are essential in overcoming persistent challenges and building a robust education system that nurtures the nation’s human capital. However, while these interventions effectively address the immediate poverty barrier to school attendance, underlying structural and systemic issues persist.

Nigeria must urgently address the systemic challenges plaguing its education sector to realise its full potential. A dual approach is imperative: a robust domestic strategy complemented by effective international cooperation. Domestically, education must be elevated to a national priority. This necessitates substantial and sustained federal and state government investment and effective oversight to channel funds. Teacher welfare and professional development are paramount. Federal and state boards of education must ensure teachers and academic officials access resources to ensure their development and welfare, as this will ensure they operate at their highest capacities when interacting with students. The National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) must embark on a national curriculum revision. The curriculum requires a radical transformation to equip students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital skills demanded by the 21st century.

Additionally, leveraging technology through platforms like online learning can bridge the digital divide and enhance access to quality education, particularly in rural areas. this can be useful to students living in violent conflict hotspots, cutting down on movements that may endanger them. Public-private partnerships can catalyse innovation and expand educational opportunities. Concurrently, Nigeria must optimise the benefits of international cooperation while mitigating associated challenges. While foreign aid has contributed to progress, the sector is marred by sustainability, coordination, and ownership issues. Nigeria should prioritise increasing domestic resource mobilisation, enhancing governance and accountability, ensuring equitable access, investing in data-driven decision-making, and fostering strong partnerships to maximise impact.

A holistic approach, integrating domestic efforts with international collaboration, is essential for transforming Nigeria’s education landscape. By prioritising education, the nation can cultivate a skilled workforce, drive economic growth, and build a more equitable society. Ultimately, the success of Nigeria’s education system hinges on political will. By investing in its youth, the country can unlock its potential and build a more prosperous and equitable future. The time for incremental reforms is over. Nigeria needs a bold, comprehensive approach to education that leaves no child behind.