By Joe Ejiofor
March 28, 2024
Education reform in Nigeria is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced by the education system. Reforms in education have been a recurring theme since independence in October 1960. The reforms instituted intermittently were aimed at improving the quality of education, making it accessible to all citizens, and, aligning it with national development goals.
In April 1959, on the eve of Nigerian Independence, the Ashby Commission arguably the first national-oriented reform was constituted with the mandate to investigate Nigeria’s needs in higher education over the next 20 years. This was largely informed by the manpower needed at independence to replace expatriate officials. The Ashby report largely formed the bedrock of higher education development in Nigeria.
After independence, the country witnessed significant educational reforms including the expansion of infrastructure and the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in September 1976. The programme’s launch marked the dawn of an educational revolution in Nigeria with pervasive social and economic implications. The policy was formulated to make primary education free for all children in Nigeria. This was a significant step towards increasing access to basic education. In 1988, the 6-3-3-4 education system was introduced. The system structured education into six years of primary school – three years of junior secondary school, three years of senior secondary school, and four years of higher education. The policy was aimed at providing a more comprehensive and structured frame for the country’s education system.
In 1986, the Ibrahim Babaginda administration came up with the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). The programme was set up to reduce dependence on the external sector and eliminate price distortions induced by an overvalued currency. The policy, which had a significant impact on the countrys educational sector, led to budget cuts in education spending and decreased funding for school infrastructure, and resources. The devaluation experienced by the education sector over time has been attributed to this policy. National Policy on Education Policy (revised several times) was next. The policy outlined the goals, objectives, and strategies for the development of education in Nigeria. It emphasises the importance of education for national development and covers areas such as curriculum funding.
Universal Basic Education Programme was introduced in 1999 by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a reform programme designed to provide greater access to and ensure quality basic education for all children throughout Nigeria. The policy, a brainchild of the Obasanjo administration, aimed to ensure that every child in Nigeria completes nine years of formal education covering six years of primary school and three years of junior secondary school. Over the years also, there have been various initiatives to improve the quality of teachers’ education and training, this is in a bid to essentially address various key areas and challenges within the education system.
One of the fundamental pillars of comprehensive education reform is increased investment in the education sector. The government should allocate more funds to education to improve infrastructure, enhance teacher training update curricula, and provide resources for effective teaching and learning. Many schools in Nigeria from federal, and state to local governments are in dilapidated condition. They lack basic infrastructure such as classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and sanitation facilities. Addressing these deficits is crucial for creating a learning environment conducive for students. Infrastructure development is a priority in education reform.
Recruiting qualified teachers and providing them with continuous training and professional development opportunities is essential for improving the quality of education in Nigeria. Teachers play a critical role in shaping the learning outcome of students, and investing in their capacity is paramount. The school curriculum should be reviewed regularly and updated to make it more relevant to the needs of the students, the job market, and society. Emphasis should be placed on skill-based education, critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy to prepare students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.
Education reform should not be an exclusive preserve of a few. It should aim to be more inclusive and accessible to all regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, or geographic location. Efforts should be made to ensure that marginalized groups, such as children with disabilities and girls, have equal access to quality education. Engaging parents, local communities, civil society organisations, and other education sectors is crucial for driving comprehensive reforms. Collaboration and partnerships with various stakeholders can help mobilize resources, improve accountability, and ensure the sustainability of reform efforts.
Implementing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms is essential for tracking the progress of education reforms and identifying areas that require improvement. Regular assessments of student learning outcomes, teacher performance, infrastructural development, and policy implementation can help inform decision-making and policy adjustments. Leveraging technology for teaching and learning can enhance access to educational resources, promote innovative teaching methods, and develop digital literacy skills among students. Integrating digital learning initiatives into the education system can help bridge the digital divide and improve learning outcomes.
Education reform efforts in Nigeria should focus on promoting lifelong learning and continuous skills development to prepare individuals for the evolving job market. Providing opportunities for vocational training, entrepreneurship education, and career guidance can help equip students with the skills needed for success in various fields.
Education reform is a complex, long-term process requiring sustained commitment and investment. Developing a clear roadmap for reform, setting realistic goals, and monitoring progress over time are essential for achieving lasting improvements in the education system. In Nigeria, reforms in education have been driven by the need to improve the quality of education, increase access, and align with national development goals. While progress has been made in some areas, there is still much work to be done to realize the full potential of Nigeria’s educational system. By focusing on these key areas highlighted above and adopting a holistic approach to education reform, Nigeria can work towards building a more effective and inclusive education system that equips students with the skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.
By The Nigerian Observer
April 26, 2024
By The Nigerian Observer
April 26, 2024
By Okoeguale Adolor
April 26, 2024
April 26, 2024 at 07:17 PM
March 12, 2024 at 09:21 AM
The Nigerian Observer is a daily newspaper published in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, since 1968 by the Bendel Newspapers Company Limited (BNCL) and is owned by the Edo State Government
Subscribe our newsletter for latest world news. Let''s stay updated!
© 2024 Nigerian Observer “ All Right Reserved.