In recent years, the state of education in Nigeria has become a cause for concern. It’s a topic that should be on everyone’s lips, but it seems to have slipped into the shadows, becoming a taboo subject.
The education system in Nigeria has lost its way, failing to harness the creative potential of youths and leaving many talented individuals in the shadows. The question we must ask ourselves is this: why should anyone be subjected to an education system that stifles their creativity?
The foundation of education is undoubtedly built on numbers and letters, but there is so much more that can be achieved. Our current system follows a rigid path, forcing every child to go from kindergarten to university before they can pursue their chosen career.
However, this one-size-fits-all approach overlooks the fact that every child is unique and learns at their own pace. We often ignore early bloomers, children with exceptional talents, as our education system prioritises adhering to the syllabus over nurturing individual potential.
The consequence of this neglect is a loss of countless bright minds who could have contributed to our nation’s growth. The talented prodigies who could have thrived in Nigeria end up seeking opportunities abroad, leaving behind a void that could have been filled by homegrown talent.
One major issue lies in the disparity between private and public schools in Nigeria. Public schools, once esteemed for their quality, now struggle with dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate resources, and underpaid teachers.
On the other hand, private schools flourish, offering a foreign curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities. Parents who seek quality education are drawn to these private institutions, further deepening the divide.
For education reform to be effective, we must address these discrepancies. Quality education should not be a privilege reserved for the elite; it should be accessible to all, regardless of their economic background. Children should be assessed at enrolment to identify their strengths and interests, shaping their educational journey accordingly. This reformed approach, which integrates creativity with academics, promises a brighter future for all students.
Moreover, our teachers deserve recognition and fair compensation for their vital role in shaping our nation’s future. We must ensure that they are motivated to provide quality education.
To bridge the gap between public and private schools, we propose a standardised Nigerian curriculum that makes education more relatable and competitive. This shift will eliminate the notion that success lies only outside Nigeria and that expensive schools offer superior education.
Yasser Abdullahi wrote from Abuja.
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