Transforming Nigeria’s education system through technology and entrepreneurship

Introduction

Nigeria’s education system is at a critical crossroads. The former registrar of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Prof. Olu Aina, aptly highlighted this when he stated that Nigeria needs a tertiary education system capable of propelling the twin engines of development: technology and entrepreneurship. His observation underscores the urgent need to integrate these two transformative pillars into the core of Nigeria’s education system, particularly in an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid technological advancements.

“Globally, the integration of technology into education has transformed how knowledge is delivered and consumed.”

For decades, Nigeria’s education system has struggled to adapt to the evolving demands of a globalised world. While progress has been made, the system’s ability to produce graduates equipped with the skills necessary for the 21st century remains inadequate. By embedding technology and entrepreneurship into the nation’s educational framework, Nigeria can prepare its youth for global competitiveness and create a workforce capable of driving innovation and sustainable development.

This article explores the current state of Nigeria’s education system, the transformative role of technology and entrepreneurship, and actionable steps that policymakers and education administrators can take to achieve meaningful change.

The current state of Nigeria’s education system

Nigeria’s education system faces significant challenges, including outdated curricula, inadequate infrastructure, and an overemphasis on theoretical knowledge at the expense of practical skills. According to UNESCO, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children globally, with approximately 20 million children lacking access to basic education. This statistic alone highlights the systemic issues that require urgent attention. We cannot build thriving human capital in this kind of mess.

Moreover, tertiary institutions, the supposed hubs of innovation and skill development, often fail to meet global standards. Nigerian universities have progressively lagged behind in all four major global ranking systems: the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Times Higher Education World University Ranking (THE), Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, and QS World University Ranking. There are about six performance indicators used, namely teaching (learning environment), research, citations, international outlook, industrial income, and publications. Also, many Nigerian graduates are considered unemployable due to a lack of practical skills and exposure to real-world applications. The situation is exacerbated by limited funding, poor policy implementation, and an education system that prioritises rote learning over creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

The role of technology in educational transformation

Technology is a game-changer in education, offering tools to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative processes. Globally, the integration of technology into education has transformed how knowledge is delivered and consumed. In Nigeria, however, the adoption of technology in education remains limited due to infrastructure deficits and high costs.

Read also: The role of technology in transforming education in Africa

Key benefits of technology in education:

Improved access to learning: Online platforms and mobile applications can bridge gaps in educational access, especially in rural and underserved areas.

1. Personalised learning: AI-powered tools can tailor educational content to individual student needs, improving engagement and outcomes.
2. Teacher support: Digital tools can assist teachers in planning lessons, grading, and providing real-time feedback, reducing their workload and improving teaching quality.
3. Global competitiveness: Exposure to digital tools prepares students for the modern workforce, where technological proficiency is a baseline requirement.

Practical examples:

• E-learning platforms: Initiatives like uLesson and Tuteria are leveraging technology to provide affordable, quality education to Nigerian students.
• Smart classrooms: Pilot projects introducing smart boards, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) are beginning to show promise in enhancing student engagement.
• Data analytics: Institutions can use analytics to monitor student progress and identify areas for intervention.

Entrepreneurship as a catalyst for growth

Entrepreneurship education equips students with the skills to create and sustain businesses, encouraging self-reliance and reducing unemployment. In a country where the unemployment rate stands at 33.3 percent (National Bureau of Statistics, 2022), advancing entrepreneurship is critical.

Key benefits of entrepreneurship education:

1. Job creation: Graduates equipped with entrepreneurial skills can start businesses, creating jobs for themselves and others.

2. Economic growth: Entrepreneurship drives innovation, increases productivity, and contributes to GDP growth.

3. Skill development: Beyond business skills, entrepreneurship cultivates resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.

Current initiatives:

Some institutions, such as Covenant University and Lagos Business School, have integrated entrepreneurship programmes into their curricula, providing students with real-world exposure and mentorship opportunities. However, these efforts remain the exception rather than the norm.

Integrating technology and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s education system

To effectively transform Nigeria’s education system, technology and entrepreneurship must be integrated across all levels of education. This requires a multi-pronged approach involving curriculum reform, teacher training, infrastructure development, and policy support.

Curriculum reform:

• Introduce coding, robotics, and digital literacy at the primary and secondary levels.
• Incorporate entrepreneurship courses focusing on business planning, financial literacy, and market analysis.
• Align tertiary education programmes with industry demands through partnerships with tech companies and entrepreneurs.

Teacher training:

• Provide professional development programmes to help educators integrate technology into their teaching methods.
• Train teachers to mentor students in entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving.

Infrastructure development:

• Invest in digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet, smart classrooms, and computer labs.
• Establish innovation hubs and incubation centres within tertiary institutions to nurture entrepreneurial ventures.

Policy and funding support:

• Increase education funding to meet UNESCO’s recommended allocation of 15-20 percent of the national budget.
• Create incentives for private sector investment in education technology and entrepreneurial initiatives.
• Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology should remain well equipped while they are statutorily empowered to offer degree programmes at the bachelor, master’s, and Ph.D. levels. They should be allowed to run B.Tech, M.Tech, and Ph.D. degrees in technology-related programmes.
• Establish a commission focused on integrating technology and entrepreneurship into education, replacing or augmenting existing bodies like the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Global lessons for Nigeria

Our country, Nigeria, can draw inspiration from countries that have successfully integrated technology and entrepreneurship into their education systems:

Singapore: The government’s SkillsFuture initiative provides lifelong learning opportunities and integrates technology into education, ensuring a workforce ready for the future.

India: The Digital India campaign has expanded internet access and introduced coding and AI programs in schools, nurturing innovation.

Estonia: Widely regarded as a digital leader, Estonia’s e-education platform ensures access to digital learning tools for all students.

The role of stakeholders

Achieving this transformation requires collaboration among various stakeholders:

Government: Formulate and implement policies that prioritise technology and entrepreneurship in education.

Private sector: Partner with educational institutions to provide resources, mentorship, and real-world experience.

Civil society: Advocate for inclusive and equitable access to technology-enabled education.

International organisations: Support funding, research, and capacity-building initiatives remain the focus of most IOs.

Conclusion

Transforming Nigeria’s education system through technology and entrepreneurship is not just an aspiration; it is an imperative. As Prof. Olu Aina aptly noted, the twin engines of technology and entrepreneurship hold the key to Nigeria’s competitiveness in a dynamic, globalised world.

It is possible for Nigeria to create an education system that equips its youth with the skills to thrive in the 21st century if we can address the systemic challenges and embrace innovative solutions. Policymakers, education administrators, and stakeholders must act decisively to implement the strategies outlined above, ensuring that the nation’s greatest resource, that is its people, are well prepared to lead and innovate in the years to come.

Oyewole O. Sarumi, Professor, CEO/Snr Partner, LMS Consulting Ltd. with specialisation in digital transformation for private and public institutions, shaping the future of digital transformation in Nigeria, bridging the digital divide, and unlocking new opportunities for growth. Faculty, ICLED Business School, Lekki, and Prowess University, Delaware, USA.