The challenges in Nigeria’s educational sector are complex and pressing, encompassing poor quality, inadequate funding, limited access, and an outdated curriculum. The World Bank reports that Nigeria’s education sector is severely underfunded, with only about 7 percent of the federal budget allocated to education in 2024, well below the UNESCO-recommended 15-20 percent needed to make a meaningful impact. These systemic issues have a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy and social fabric, contributing to unemployment, poverty, and inequality. The need for reform is clear and urgent: transforming education is critical to Nigeria’s global growth and competitiveness.
“Dr Alausa brings new hope for reform in the education sector. His appointment signals a commitment to impactful policies that focus on transparency and accountability.”
The recent appointment of Dr Tunji Alausa as the Minister of Education in Nigeria is a crucial step in the nation’s urgent mission to revitalise its educational system. This leadership change underscores the president’s commitment to prioritising education reform as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s socio-economic development. His selection reflects a desire for credible leadership, prioritising competence, experience, and integrity over political motivations. Dr Alausa brings new hope for reform in the education sector. His appointment signals a commitment to impactful policies that focus on transparency and accountability.
For decades, Nigeria’s education sector has grappled with systemic failures that affect all levels of schooling. In primary education, over 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, representing the highest rate globally for out-of-school children, with the majority located in the northern regions affected by poverty and conflict. Many primary schools lack basic amenities such as clean water, functional classrooms, and teaching materials, resulting in an environment that discourages learning and growth.
At the secondary level, transition rates are low, with many children who complete primary school not enrolling in secondary education. This gap is influenced by factors such as poverty, child labour, and insufficient infrastructure, leading to significant dropout rates and educational gaps. Additionally, with few secondary schools in Nigeria providing science laboratories, students are often unprepared for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), fields that are critical to Nigeria’s future competitiveness.
The challenges extend to the tertiary level, where Nigerian universities struggle with overcrowded classrooms, limited research funding, and chronic staff strikes. We have a suboptimal capacity of teaching staff with little research output. Nigeria’s graduate unemployment rate is 33 percent, highlighting a mismatch between university training and the skills needed in the job market. Some argue that some of our graduates are unemployed.
Immediate reforms in six critical areas could lay the groundwork for long-term success in Nigeria’s education sector.
First, extensive policy changes and secure funding for primary education are essential. However, it’s crucial to ensure that local government autonomy does not endanger consistent support for primary schools. Whereas LGAs have responsibility for funding primary education, we know that in practice this is not feasible. The Federal Ministry of Education should propose a policy that sees all three tiers of government funding primary education. Again, federal and state governments need to revive school inspections.
Second, addressing the out-of-school children crisis requires targeted solutions, especially in marginalised and rural communities where the need is most acute. For example, programmes like the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA), which focuses on re-enrolling children in schools, have shown promise in states like Kano and Katsina. Specific initiatives targeting girls, who make up over 60 percent of the out-of-school children in Nigeria, will be essential to ensure gender parity in education and reduce the barriers that prevent young girls from completing their schooling.
Improving quality standards across all educational levels is also critical. Setting rigorous benchmarks for institutions and implementing accountability systems will help drive consistency and excellence.
Furthermore, enhancing teacher training and certification processes is fundamental to improving quality. Over 50 percent of Nigerian teachers lack the qualifications to teach effectively. By focusing on recruitment, certification, and ongoing professional development, Nigeria can ensure educators have the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality education.
Ensuring access and equity is another vital focus area. Gaps in urban and rural access to quality education remain a significant challenge, with rural children being disproportionately impacted. Infrastructure and policy support for underserved areas can help bridge these divides.
The curriculum itself requires a comprehensive overhaul. In a world driven by technology and innovation, Nigerian students need an education emphasising critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability, aligning them with global standards, and preparing them for competitive careers.
In terms of infrastructure, investment in physical and technological resources will enhance the learning environment. Data from the Federal Ministry of Education shows that only 30 percent of secondary schools have access to functional libraries, and even fewer have the necessary digital resources to support modern education.
To address these challenges, Dr Alausa could consider implementing several innovative strategies. First, a National Education Technology (EdTech) Programme could be introduced to leverage digital solutions and bridge access gaps. Providing affordable tablets preloaded with interactive curricula to students in rural areas could improve access to learning resources and enhance the overall learning experience.
Additionally, establishing a national STEM initiative would address Nigeria’s science and technology skills shortage. Creating specialised STEM-focused schools equipped with advanced laboratories and trained teachers would help students develop competencies in critical areas.
Dr Alausa could also launch a Teacher Training and Empowerment Academy to improve the quality of teaching nationwide. This academy would focus on modern pedagogy, digital literacy, and STEM teaching methods, ensuring teachers are well-equipped to meet the demands of today’s educational landscape. Accessible as both an online resource and through in-person sessions,
Regional Curriculum Innovation Centres could be established to ensure Nigeria’s curriculum remains relevant. These centres would work with industry experts, universities, and educators to continuously update the curriculum, integrating critical thinking, creativity, and industry-aligned skills.
Finally, establishing Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) could provide financial assistance to low-income families, enabling them to save specifically for their children’s education. Such accounts, supported by government contributions or matching savings, could be used for education-related expenses, making education more affordable and accessible to low-income families. The current funds from education tax must be properly utilised to optimise the system.
Nigeria’s education sector requires a cohesive, long-term strategy to ensure sustained improvement. A comprehensive plan should involve collaboration among policymakers, educators, industry, stakeholders, and communities, creating a unified vision for the future of education. This grand strategy must include mechanisms for accountability, transparency, and sustained investment. Dr Tunji Alausa’s appointment signals a renewed focus on making Nigeria’s education system a powerful driver of progress, pivoting from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy. With commitment, innovation, and perseverance, Nigeria’s education sector can be revitalised to meet the needs of future generations.
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