As the much-anticipated year 2020 commences, educationists are of the views that Nigeria education sector can only develop if certain inputs were put into the methodology of teaching and learning, especially secondary school education which many consider to be the bedrock of any education system in the world.
The academics and scholars while assessing the performance of the education sector in 2019 observe that that Nigeria education system suffered a setback because there was no pragmatic approach to teaching and learning of academic subjects and courses, especially at the secondary school level which has, therefore put on undue pressure on Nigeria education system.
The whole education system without gain saying the fact lacks adequate funding especially the citadel of higher learning for research and innovative ideas says Isaac Adebayo Adeyemi, former vice chancellor, Bells University of Technology, Otta, Ogun State.
Adeyemi opines that so far, the country education space still lacks good planning and management, teaching materials and quality teachers at all levels, owing to poor governance and infrastructure.
He further noted that it is equally important to add that apart from the challenge of poor funding bedeviling the sector, there is the problem of lack of quality work force to propel the economy as a result of low moral for teachers a situation that have held back the nation’s educational system from performing its basic objectives.
“There is also the large-scale teacher migration, poor working conditions, lack of professional recognition of teachers by other professions and the wider society”, he said.
As Nigeria moves into 2020, it is sad to see that the present managers of education sector are still foot dragging in their quest to implement any discernible action plan to stem the tide of the crippling education sector.
Peter Okebukola, a university professor believes that it is necessary and possible to position Nigerian universities to stimulate economic growth through a deliberate agenda of Production of Entrepreneurial Graduates, focus on high-value programmes for rapidly growing the economy, increased emphasis on research and development.
He further added that Nigeria has to change her value system and invest on education, which is the intellectual laboratory of any nation and the engine that propels the economy. In his word, “It has been noted that ‘without a formidable intellectual base’ it is not likely that any society would move forward”
Okebukola maintains that Education is the business of all stakeholders of the Project Nigeria adding that our future and survival depends on it.
“I believe government is committed to improving the quality of education and must be seen to be taking steps in that direction, and must involve all the Stakeholders even where there are challenges in implementing policies or and agreements. Ahead of 2020, the current challenge should be seen as a learning curve by all, including parents and students”, Okebukola said.
KELECHI EWUZIE
