Education holds the key to unlocking a nation’s potential for growth and development. It is not merely a learning of set of theories and figures; it is the foundation on which dreams are built and futures are shaped. Unfortunately, in many countries, including Nigeria, the dream of quality education remains elusive for millions of young minds. In most parts of Nigeria, many children of school age are commonly seen hawking or playing on the streets during school time, while some are on their way to the farms at a time when their mates are in school learning. According to the latest data by UNESCO, there are 20 million non-school-going children in Nigeria. Yet, several other studies have shown that the secondary school has a very low enrolment rates compared to primary schools. For example, in 2019, 22.7 million children were enrolled in public elementary schools. Another 5.4 million went to private schools. But only about a quarter of that number enrolled in lower secondary school during that same year.
This statistics speak volumes about the challenges that confront secondary education in the country and the urgent need for viable solutions.
Identifying the Challenges:
- Overpopulation and Strained Resources:
Large classroom size and over populated schools have direct impact on the quality of teaching and instruction delivery. Overcrowded classrooms have increased the possibilities for mass failure and make students to lose interest in school. The strain on resources exacerbates the issue, with inadequate infrastructure making it even more challenging to create an environment conducive to learning. - Discipline and Integrity:
Truancy and indiscipline erode the fabric of education, hindering the development of responsible citizens. Additionally, the rise in exam malpractice casts a dark shadow over the integrity of the education system, undermining the values of honesty and hard work. - Neglected Technical Education:
Subjects like woodwork, metalwork, textile, and the arts – areas that can provide valuable skills for self-development and livelihood – have been relegated to the background. The absence of well-equipped facilities denies students the opportunity to explore their potential in these practical fields. - Administrative Inequalities:
It is a fact that government schools and public schools face discrepancies in resources allocation. This disparity leads to unequal access to facilities, exacerbating educational inequalities. In most cases, parents frantically scramble to secure admission to “government choice” schools, perpetuating the cycle of educational imbalances. - Insufficient Infrastructure and Teaching Resources:
It is a common sight for classrooms in government schools to be without enough desks, chairs, or well-equipped laboratories. These basic necessities are often lacking, hampering effective teaching and hindering students’ ability to excel in scientific and practical subjects. In some extreme cases students have to receive lesson sitting on the floor or pile of blocks. And sometimes, they gather under trees because the school lack adequate classrooms. - Shortage of Educators:
Across many secondary schools in Nigeria, teachers are forced to stretch themselves thin, attempting to cater to the needs of a large number of students. With less than 50% of the required teachers available, personalized attention and specialized instruction become a distant dream. Many students are denied the opportunity to fully explore their potential in various subjects. - Power Outages:
Amid very poor power supply, teaching equipment and technology sit idle, unable to fulfill their purpose. The lack of reliable electricity supply hampers the effective use of these tools and limits students’ exposure to innovative learning methods. - Socioeconomic:
With over 100million people classified as desperately poor, families struggle to make ends meet, their limited income forcing difficult choices. Parents are forced to prioritize immediate domestic needs over investing in their children’s education. Education becomes a secondary concern in the face of daily challenges.
A Path Towards Transformation:
To overcome these challenges and pave the way for a brighter future, Nigeria must implement solutions that place the human aspect of education at the forefront. Here are some recommended steps:
- Building More Schools:
Government need to invest in the construction of additional schools to decongest classrooms, ensuring an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning. - Providing Essential Resources:
Government bodies, such as the Federal and State Ministries of Education, must prioritize the provision of furniture, science equipment, teaching aids, and well-stocked libraries. Access to modern teaching audio-visual aids will ignite students’ curiosity and enhance their learning experiences. - Engaging Parents:
Active parental involvement is crucial. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, parents can provide material and moral support, becoming partners in their children’s educational journey. - Strengthening School Supervision:
There is a need for dedicated supervisors providing guidance and support to teachers, ensuring consistent quality education. By empowering supervisors and creating a culture of accountability, we can foster an environment where teachers and students thrive. - Empowering Teachers:
By recruiting qualified educators and offering incentives such as rural teaching allowances and residential quarters, government can attract and retain passionate teachers who will inspire future generations. - Lifelong Learning for Teachers:
The professional teacher is one who is up-to-date with current educational thoughts and practices. Regular seminars, training programs, and workshops will ensure that teachers stay up-to-date with the latest educational practices, allowing them to guide students towards success.
Final Thought
The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth. By addressing the challenges that hinder secondary education and implementing human-centered solutions, we can unleash the full potential of this vibrant nation. It is through collective efforts, prioritizing the needs of students, teachers, and communities, that Nigeria can transform its educational landscape.