Experts: Nigeria’s Education System Failing Our Kids

Nigeria's education system is critically failing its students, with experts urging an immediate overhaul. At the 20th Anniversary and 5th Memorial Public Lecture for the late Col. G.O. Nebo, speakers painted a bleak picture of a broken system, outdated teaching methods, and a national mindset that impedes the progress of millions of young Nigerians.

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When thinking about the Nigerian educational system, the need for partnership is an ongoing topic. Because for life, the need for partnership will always be there. There will never be a time to say we are done thinking.

Dr. Dideolu Adekogbe, Lead Consultant at Florish-Gate Global Consult, identified attitude as Nigeria's primary problem, surpassing issues of funding or infrastructure. She criticized the government's approach to education leadership, arguing it has become a tool for political rewards rather than a merit-based system. "Our governments are leaders for political purposes," Adekogbe stated, emphasizing the need to prioritize children's needs over political benefits.

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Mindset in some of the communities is really bad.

The COVID-19 pandemic starkly exposed Nigeria's slow adoption of technology, a lag that Adekogbe warned could leave the country behind. "COVID-19 exposed us badly, and the reason it hurt so much was because we were slow to embrace technology," she said. She advocated for integrating technology into teaching and learning to enable remote education and reduce the risks associated with students traveling long distances for schooling, a practice that has led to accidents and even deaths.

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Our governments are leaders for political purposes. They make these kinds of education for the purpose of political benefits. You know, this person has a desire for law. Let’s give it to him. Somebody doesn’t know anything about administration… We need to shift. We need to do right for these children.

Adekogbe also questioned the continued relevance of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, suggesting its orientation period should be significantly shortened. She proposed that the focus should shift to practical training in subjects like math and probability, rather than the current extended program. For Adekogbe, the most urgent change required is a fundamental shift in the system's approach to educating Nigerian children.

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COVID-19 exposed us badly, and the reason it hurt so much was because we were slow to embrace technology.