There’s Need To Put Education On Sound Footing In Nigeria – Okpala

There’s Need To Put Education On Sound Footing In Nigeria – Okpala


Mrs Nwanneka Chioma Okpala, a professional educational administrator, is the School Administrator of KOSEC Schools, Lagos. He spoke to EJIKEME OMENAZU on the standard of education in Nigeria among other crucial issues. Excerpt:

How do you see the standard of education in Nigeria?

Nigeria has a set of educational norms and benchmarks that define expected levels of knowledge, skills, and competencies that students should achieve at various stages of their academic journey. These stan­dards pertain to different aspects of education, including curriculum con­tent, teaching practices, assessment methods, and learning outcomes. The standard of education in Nigeria can be viewed as a comprehensive frame­work that encompasses curriculum relevance, teaching quality, infra­structure, assessment methods, eq­uity, and policy adherence.

Continuous improvement and implementation in these areas is essential for advancing educational standards and addressing the chal­lenges faced by the Nigerian educa­tion system.

To put education on a sound foot­ing in Nigeria, the government can implement a multi-faceted approach that addresses the various challenges facing the educational system such as: Increase Funding and budgetary allocation to education sector. Allo­cate a higher percentage of the na­tional budget to education, aiming to meet the UNESCO recommendation of at least 15-20%. Invest in teachers’ welfare, through better training, sal­aries and provision of good working conditions.

Equitable Distribution of income: Ensure that funds are distributed fair­ly across various regions, focusing particularly on underdeveloped areas that face significant educational chal­lenges.eh Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Zam­fara, Adamawa, Sokoto, Katsina, etc.

Curriculum Reforms: Update the curriculum to align with global edu­cational standards and the demands of the 21st-century job market. This includes the integration of digital skills, critical thinking, and vocation­al training which have started in the new curriculum they just released. Ensure the curriculum reflects local culture, history, and relevance, mak­ing learning more engaging and ap­plicable to students’ lives. Enhance Teacher Training, upskilling and support. Invest in ongoing training and professional development pro­grams for teachers to improve their pedagogical skills and knowledge of contemporary teaching methods.

Recruitment and Retention: Imple­ment strategies to attract and retain qualified teachers, including com­petitive salaries, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

Improve Infrastructure and Resources. Invest in building and maintaining adequate school in­frastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and learning materials.

Technology Access: Provide schools with access to technology and resources, including computers and the internet, smart boards to sup­port modern teaching and learning methods.

Strengthen Policy Implementa­tion and Governance. Develop and implement evidence-based educa­tion policies that address the unique challenges of the different states and communities in Nigeria.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Estab­lish robust monitoring and evalua­tion frameworks to assess the prog­ress of educational initiatives and ensure accountability.

Promote Access and Inclusivity: eg Universal Basic Education: Strength­en the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme to ensure that all children have access to free and com­pulsory basic education.

Outreach Initiatives: Launch tar­geted programs to reach out-of-school children, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas, and provide them with flexible learning oppor­tunities.

Partnerships: Collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector stakeholders, and communities to develop and im­plement educational initiatives that meet local needs.

Awareness Campaigns: Conduct campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of education among parents and communities, encourag­ing them to prioritize and invest in their children’s education.

Set up internal and external bod­ies to fight the high rate of examina­tion malpractices in Nigeria leading to half backed Nigerian that are un­employable.

By adopting these measures, the Nigerian government can create a more effective, equitable, and robust education system. This will not only equip the current generation with the necessary skills for the future but also foster national development and economic growth. The commitment to education must be sustained and prioritised as a fundamental right and a catalyst for societal progress.

How do you think the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria should be addressed by the government?

Addressing the issue of approxi­mately 10.5 million Nigerian children between the ages of five and 14 being out of school requires a comprehen­sive and multi-faceted approach. The government can implement a range of strategies to tackle the root causes of this problem and promote educa­tional access for all children. These include: Strengthening and effective implementation of Universal Basic Education (UBE) Programs. Increase funding for the Universal Basic Edu­cation (UBE) program to ensure that it effectively reaches all children and provides free and compulsory educa­tion at the primary level.

Strong awareness about the im­portance of education and encourage participation in school enrollment drives.

School Construction and Renova­tion: Invest in building new schools, particularly in rural and under­served areas, and ensure that exist­ing schools have adequate facilities, such as classrooms, restrooms, and learning materials.

Focus on Accessibility and inclu­sion: Ensure that schools are acces­sible to all children, including those with disabilities, and improve trans­portation options for students who live far from schools.

Enhance Teacher Training and Recruitment: Invest in training pro­grams to improve the skills of teach­ers, particularly in underdeveloped areas, to enhance teaching quality.

Incentives for Teachers: Provide incentives for teachers to work in re­mote or underdeveloped areas, such as housing allowances or competitive salaries.

School Feeding Programmes: In­troduce or expand school feeding pro­grams to encourage enrollment and attendance by providing nutritious meals to students. This can help fami­lies view education as a viable option.

Promote Inclusivity: Target girls and marginalised groups by creat­ing targeted programs to specifically encourage enrollment and retention of girls and marginalised groups, ad­dressing cultural and social barriers that limit their access to education.

In Conclusion, the Nigerian government must take a holistic approach to address the issue of mil­lions of out-of-school children by tack­ling both the systemic and immediate barriers to education.

By combining policy reforms, community engagement, and tar­geted interventions, the government can create an education system that is accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all Nigerian children.

How can the government improve funding for education, and what impact would increased funding have on the system?

The government can enhance funding for education by encourag­ing private participation sector par­ticipation, reallocating budgetary priorities, increasing taxes on luxury goods, and engaging in innovative fi­nancing models like education bonds and grants. Increased funding would improve classroom infrastructure, provide better learning materials, and enable higher teacher salaries. This infusion of resources would empower schools to create conducive learning environments, ultimately enhancing student outcomes and retention rates.

What role can technology play in enhanc­ing access to quality education in Nigeria?

Technology can significantly en­hance access to quality education by bridging geographical divides. E-learning platforms, mobile apps, and virtual classrooms can provide resources to students in remote areas, breaking the barrier of distance. Fur­thermore, leveraging technology can facilitate teacher training, enabling educators to share best practices and develop their skills regardless of their location, and thus ensuring a uniform standard of education.

What are the key areas of focus for the Nigerian government’s education policy, and how will they impact the system?

The key areas of focus should include curriculum reform, teach­er training, infrastructure develop­ment, and equitable access to educa­tion. Policies aimed at updating the curriculum to include vocational training and life skills will better prepare students for the workforce. Investing in continuous professional development for teachers will elevate the quality of instruction. Empha­sis on infrastructure will create a safe and stimulating learning envi­ronment, while policies promoting inclusive education will ensure no child is left behind, fostering a more equitable system.

How can the curriculum be reformed to better align with the needs of the labor market and society?

Curriculum reform should in­volve collaboration with industry leaders, educational institutions, and policymakers to identify emerging market needs. Introducing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) subjects, practical skill-building activities, and work-study programs can make education more relevant. Addition­ally, integrating soft skills, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship into the curriculum can prepare students not only for jobs but for becoming innovators and leaders in their com­munities.

How can teacher training programmes be improved to enhance the quality of education?

Improving teacher training pro­grams begins with a comprehensive overhaul of teacher education cur­ricula to include modern pedagogi­cal techniques and subject specific knowledge. Continuous professional development should be mandated, in­volving mentorship programs where experienced teachers guide novices. Utilising technology can facilitate ac­cess to training resources and online courses. Furthermore, partnerships with educational NGOs can help im­plement effective training modules focused on student engagement and innovative teaching strategies.

How can examination malpractice and other forms of academic dishonesty be addressed?

Combating examination mal­practice requires a multi-faceted ap­proach. First, fostering a culture of integrity in schools is crucial, which can be achieved through awareness campaigns and workshops. The im­plementation of secure examination formats and the use of technology for monitoring during tests can help de­ter dishonest behavior. Additionally, providing psychological and ethical education will instill a sense of re­sponsibility and the value of honesty in students from an early age.

What incentives could be offered to attract and retain qualified teachers, especially in rural areas?

To attract and retain qualified teachers in rural areas, competitive salary packages, housing allowances, and relocation bonuses may be effec­tive. Offering job security through permanent contracts, opportunities for career advancement, and profes­sional development programs can also motivate teachers to stay in these challenging environments. Further­more, community engagement initia­tives where teachers are recognized and appreciated by the community can foster a deeper commitment to rural education.

What strategies can be employed to address the infrastructure gap in Nigerian schools, including ICT infrastructure?

Addressing the infrastructure gap requires a collaborative effort between the government, private sector, and international donors. Implementing a comprehensive school infrastructure enhancement program focused on renovation and modernization of existing facilities is essential. Furthermore, investing in ICT infrastructure through pub­lic-private partnerships can enable the provision of internet access, computer labs, and digital learning materials. Community involvement in maintenance and support can also ensure sustainability.

What role can public-private partnerships play in improving educational infrastruc­ture and resources?

Public-private partnerships can play a pivotal role in enhancing ed­ucational infrastructure by pooling resources and expertise. Collabora­tions can lead to the development of schools and provision of learn­ing materials that may otherwise be financially unfeasible for the government alone. Private compa­nies can also introduce innovative educational technologies and prac­tices that can improve teaching and learning experiences. Moreover, they can engage in community de­velopment initiatives that further support education, thus creating a holistic approach to educational en­hancement.

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Source: Independent

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