Why we must rethink education now

As we journey into 2025, Nigeria’s education sector remains a battleground for equity, quality, and adaptability. This very reality underscores why we must rethink education now. Despite ongoing reforms, significant hurdles still persist, particularly in narrowing the attainment gap between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

While policy changes and evolving national education standards seek to enhance learning outcomes, the rapid pace of these shifts presents challenges for schools and educators. On this ground, school owners and leaders must not only keep up with new directives but also ensure that every student, regardless of background, receives a high-quality education tailored to their needs.

The urgency of reform

Nigeria’s education sector must confront pressing questions: How do we ensure that no child is left behind? How do we equip students with the skills necessary for a rapidly evolving world? More importantly, how do we create an education system that is both inclusive and adaptable? These are not theoretical debates; they demand immediate and strategic action.

A 2023 report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) revealed that over 20 million Nigerian children remain out of school—the highest number globally. In addition, findings from the Education Partnership (TEP) Centre indicate that the learning poverty rate in Nigeria is alarmingly high, with 70 percent of 10-year-olds unable to read or comprehend a simple passage. These statistics highlight systemic failures that cannot be ignored. Schools are expected to adapt to new policies at an exhausting pace, yet funding constraints, dilapidated infrastructure, and teacher shortages make meaningful reform difficult to implement. Without a radical rethink, we risk entrenching inequality rather than addressing it.

Rethinking curriculum and assessment

The government’s curriculum and assessment review signals an important shift toward a more inclusive and holistic educational framework. Historically, Nigeria’s education system has prioritised high-stakes examinations such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), often at the expense of creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. The current review seeks to rebalance these priorities by designing curricula that cater to a broad spectrum of learning styles and abilities.

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However, true transformation demands that we move beyond a one-size-fits-all model. A dynamic curriculum: one that integrates academic rigour with practical skills, emotional resilience, and adaptability, will be instrumental in preparing students for the complexities of the modern world. For example, Bridge International Academies, a network of low-cost private schools in Lagos and other states, has successfully integrated technology-driven, competency-based learning models that improve student outcomes. Additionally, assessments should evolve to measure not just recall but also problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation: skills essential for the future workforce.

The role of EdTech and teacher support

Technology has already reshaped education, and its role will only continue to grow. The integration of Educational Technology (EdTech) offers immense possibilities—from interactive learning platforms to AI-driven personalised education. However, its success hinges on the ability of teachers to effectively utilise these tools. Without proper training and professional development, even the most advanced EdTech solutions will fail to yield meaningful results.

In Nigeria, platforms such as uLesson and Edves are making strides in transforming how students learn by providing digital access to high-quality instructional content. However, many public schools lack the infrastructure, such as reliable electricity and internet connectivity, needed to maximise these innovations. Furthermore, teachers must be at the heart of educational transformation. Governments and institutions must prioritise continuous learning opportunities for educators, ensuring they are equipped to harness the full potential of digital tools. Additionally, striking the right balance between traditional teaching methods and technological integration is key to fostering engagement while maintaining the human connection crucial to learning.

Budget constraints and the wellbeing of students and educators

One of the biggest obstacles facing Nigeria’s education sector is funding. Budget constraints have forced many schools to make tough decisions—cutting programmes, reducing staff, or limiting student services. These financial pressures not only affect academic resources but also impact the mental health and well-being of both students and teachers.

Mental health support must become a non-negotiable pillar of education. Schools should implement policies that prioritise student well-being, from counselling services to stress management programmes. For instance, the Safe School Initiative, launched after the Chibok school abduction, has been instrumental in providing psychological support and security infrastructure in conflict-prone areas. Likewise, teachers, often burdened with excessive workloads and administrative duties, need structured support systems to prevent burnout. Investing in the mental and emotional health of both students and educators is not just a moral imperative; it is a prerequisite for a thriving education system.

A call to action for educational reform

The need for a fundamental rethink of education has never been more urgent. We stand at a crossroads where we can either continue patching up a flawed system or take bold, transformative steps towards a more inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking model.

Policymakers must listen to educators and students, incorporating their insights into meaningful reforms. Schools must embrace adaptability, integrating innovative teaching methods and technologies while ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all learners. Parents and communities must actively participate in shaping the educational landscape, advocating for policies that prioritise long-term student success over short-term metrics.

Education is not just about passing exams; it is about equipping the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and resilience they need to navigate an unpredictable world. By rethinking education now, we can build a future where every Nigerian student, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to succeed.