By Peace Oloruntoba & Precious Oloruntoba

There is no doubt that Nigeria’s education sector has not had it funny in recent times. Recall that last year, former Minister of Education, Dr. Tahir Mamman, expressed deep concerns about the state of education in Nigeria.

Speaking on May 10, 2024, at the National Assembly, Dr. Mamman highlighted the challenges facing the education sector, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers.

“The state of education in Nigeria is a matter of great concern. We are facing numerous challenges that threaten the future of our young people. As a nation, we must prioritise education and work together to address these challenges,” Dr Mamman said.

One of the major issues plaguing Nigeria’s education system is inadequate funding. The government allocates less than the recommended 15 percent of its national budget to education, resulting in poor facilities, inadequate teaching equipment, and low teacher remuneration.

 Mamman emphasized that increased funding is essential to improving the quality of education in Nigeria. His words: “We need to invest more in education to provide our students with the resources they need to succeed. This includes building new schools, renovating existing ones, and providing teachers with the training and support they need to deliver high-quality education.”

The former Minister also highlighted the issue of poor infrastructure in Nigerian schools. Many schools lack basic facilities like classrooms, bathrooms, and libraries, creating an unconducive learning environment. Dr. Mamman called for urgent action to address this issue, emphasizing that every child deserves access to a safe and supportive learning environment.

Another significant challenge facing Nigeria’s education sector is the shortage of qualified teachers. Dr. Mamman noted that many teachers in Nigeria are not adequately trained or supported, which affects the quality of education. He emphasized the need for teacher training programs and improved teacher welfare to attract and retain qualified educators.

He said, “We need to invest in our teachers and provide them with the support they need to deliver high-quality education. This includes providing teachers with training and resources, as well as improving their welfare and working conditions.”

Dr. Funmi Adeyemi, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, emphasized the need for increased funding for education, saying, “The government needs to allocate more resources to education to improve the quality of education in Nigeria. This includes building new schools, renovating existing ones, and providing teachers with the training and support they need to deliver high-quality education.”

Professor John Okoro, a veteran educator, shared a similar sentiment, highlighting the importance of teacher training programs. He said, “Teachers need to be equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to deliver high-quality education. The government needs to invest in teacher training programmes and provide teachers with the support they need to succeed.”

Mrs. Ngozi Nwosu, a parent, echoed Dr. Mamman’s concerns about infrastructure, saying, “Many schools lack basic facilities like classrooms, bathrooms, and libraries. The government needs to prioritize infrastructure development in schools to provide our children with a safe and supportive learning environment.”

Dr. Mamman’s statement sparked a renewed call to action for stakeholders in the education sector. As the nation works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Education Policy objectives, concerted efforts must be made to address the challenges facing the education sector.

By prioritizing education and working together to address these challenges, Nigeria can provide its students with the quality education they deserve, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern workforce.