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.
Schooling has all the time been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s socio-political evolution. Within the years main as much as independence in 1960, faculties and universities had been essential breeding grounds for political leaders, activists, and intellectuals who championed the nation’s combat for self-governance.
Nonetheless, over time, the training sector, significantly 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 Educational Employees Union of Universities, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, in an interview with our correspondent expressed deep concern over the state of training in Nigeria, describing it as being in “full smash.” He additional remarked that, given the present state of the sector, there was little to rejoice on this Independence Day.
He stated, “Nigeria stays at a dismal rating of 64, which displays the dire state of training within the nation. It’s evident to everybody that our training system is in ruins. Whether or not it’s when it comes to infrastructure or offering a conducive studying atmosphere, every little thing has deteriorated.
“Within the Sixties and Seventies, Nigeria had a common training system that attracted lecturers from all around the world. At the moment, the state of affairs 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 may be actually nothing to rejoice within the present state of our training system.”
Additionally, the nationwide president, Senior Employees 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 instructing, studying, and infrastructure? Do we now have the required variety of certified workers to handle these establishments? We might boast of getting many establishments, however the authorities is falling brief in funding tertiary training and public faculties.
“There’s a lack of apparatus, insufficient staffing, and inadequate coaching, which is unacceptable. Each college students and workers usually are not receiving the standard training and assist they deserve.
“No nation can develop below these situations. Schooling is the bedrock of society. If we prioritize high quality training, we’ll cut back spending in areas like healthcare and safety. Folks might be extra engaged, self-sufficient, and productive, particularly if the training they obtain is related to their wants. High quality training empowers people to contribute meaningfully to society quite than counting on the federal government for every little thing.”
Regardless of the challenges, a lecturer on the Mass Communication Division, College of Nigeria, Dr Gever Celestine, stated he believed Nigeria was making progress however for elevated authorities funding in infrastructure and improved instructor welfare to maintain this momentum.
He added, “The training sector in Nigeria has made important strides, regardless of some challenges. It could appear ironic to say that progress isn’t being made when Nigerian-trained medical doctors, engineers, IT consultants, and different professionals are thriving in developed international locations. The Nigerian academic system is efficiently producing graduates who’re extremely valued within the world workforce. In reality, it’s uncommon to go to any nation with out encountering Nigerian-trained professionals contributing to their economies.”
Gever, famous, “Again residence, the Nigerian academic system has successfully educated people who’ve turn into both profitable enterprise house owners or helpful staff in numerous organisations.”
“Subsequently, 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’ll proceed to ship their greatest.”
One other lecturer on the Adeleke College, Osun, Dr Oladipo Kolawole, advised that the Nigerian authorities to prioritise training funding, aiming to fulfill UNESCO’s suggestion of allocating a minimum of 26 per cent of the nationwide funds to training.
He lamented that at the moment, funding was beneath 10 per cent, leading to insufficient assets, poor infrastructure, and low instructor salaries.
Kolawole stated, “As Nigeria approaches its sixty fourth anniversary, there’s an pressing want for enchancment within the training sector. The federal government should prioritize training funding, aiming to fulfill UNESCO’s suggestion of a minimum of 26 per cent of the nationwide funds, as present funding is usually beneath 10 per cent. This underfunding has resulted in insufficient assets, poor infrastructure, and low instructor salaries
“With over 140 million energetic cell phone strains in Nigeria, leveraging know-how can improve academic supply, particularly in distant areas. The federal government ought to spend money on e-learning platforms and instructor coaching in digital instruments. Moreover, important investments in instructor coaching packages are important to equip educators with fashionable expertise.”
He maintained {that a} complete evaluation of the training 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 cut back unemployment charges amongst graduates.
“Revitalising the training sector is crucial for Nigeria’s nationwide growth and prosperity. By rising funding, embracing know-how, enhancing instructor high quality, reforming curricula, and involving stakeholders in coverage growth, Nigeria can construct a extra sturdy training system that prepares future generations for fulfillment,” he stated.
