As Nigeria celebrates its 64th year of independence today, university employees have aired their thoughts on the health of the country’s education system.

Education has always been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s sociopolitical development. Schools and colleges were important breeding grounds for political leaders, activists, and intellectuals who advocated for the country’s self-government in the years leading up to independence in 1960.

However, throughout time, the education sector, particularly tertiary institutions, has been significantly underfunded. Workers in the industry have given an ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening to go on indefinite strike as a result of this continuous negligence.

Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, voiced significant worry in an interview with our correspondent about the situation of education in Nigeria, characterizing it as “complete ruin.” He said that, given the existing status of the sector, there was little to rejoice on this Independence Day.

He said, “Nigeria remains at a dismal ranking of 64, which reflects the dire state of education in the country. It is evident to everyone that our education system is in ruins. Whether it’s in terms of infrastructure or providing a conducive learning environment, everything has deteriorated.

“In the 1960s and 1970s, Nigeria had a universal education system that attracted lecturers from all over the world. Today, the situation is drastically different. We now admit students who did not even meet the minimum standards in exams like JAMB, with some scoring as low as 35. There is truly nothing to celebrate in the current state of our education system.”

Also, the national president, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim added,  “We are seeing an increase in the number of universities and polytechnics being established, but is this growth matched by the quality of teaching, learning, and infrastructure? Do we have the required number of qualified staff to manage these institutions? We may boast of having many institutions, but the government is falling short in funding tertiary education and public schools.

“There is a lack of equipment, inadequate staffing, and insufficient training, which is unacceptable. Both students and staff are not receiving the quality education and support they deserve.

“No nation can develop under these conditions. Education is the bedrock of society. If we prioritize quality education, we will reduce spending in areas like healthcare and security. People will be more engaged, self-sufficient, and productive, especially if the education they receive is relevant to their needs. Quality education empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to society rather than relying on the government for everything.”

Despite the hurdles, Dr Gever Celestine, a lecturer at the University of Nigeria’s Mass Communication Department, believes Nigeria is making progress but needs more government investment in infrastructure and greater teacher welfare to keep up the momentum.

He added, “The education sector in Nigeria has made significant strides, despite some challenges. It may seem ironic to claim that progress isn’t being made when Nigerian-trained doctors, engineers, IT experts, and other professionals are thriving in developed countries. The Nigerian educational system is successfully producing graduates who are highly valued in the global workforce. In fact, it is rare to visit any country without encountering Nigerian-trained professionals contributing to their economies.”

Gever, noted, “Back home, the Nigerian educational system has effectively trained individuals who have become either successful business owners or valuable employees in various organisations.”

“Therefore, I assess that we are indeed making progress, though there remain areas that require intervention. The government should increase its investment in infrastructure and enhance the welfare of teachers to ensure they can continue to deliver their best.”

Another lecturer from Adeleke University in Osun, Dr Oladipo Kolawole, advised that the Nigerian government prioritise education financing in order to satisfy UNESCO’s recommendation of allocating at least 26% of the national budget to education.

He regretted that financing was currently below 10%, resulting in insufficient resources, bad infrastructure, and low teacher wages.

Kolawole said, “As Nigeria approaches its 64th anniversary, there is an urgent need for improvement in the education sector. The government must prioritize education funding, aiming to meet UNESCO’s recommendation of at least 26 per cent of the national budget, as current funding is often below 10 per cent. This underfunding has resulted in inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and low teacher salaries

“With over 140 million active mobile phone lines in Nigeria, leveraging technology can enhance educational delivery, especially in remote areas. The government should invest in e-learning platforms and teacher training in digital tools. Additionally, significant investments in teacher training programs are essential to equip educators with modern skills.”

He maintained that a comprehensive review of the education curriculum was needed to align it with job market demands and technological advancements, incorporating subjects like entrepreneurship and digital skills.

“Expanding vocational training centers is also crucial for equipping students with practical skills to reduce unemployment rates among graduates.

“Revitalising the education sector is essential for Nigeria’s national development and prosperity. By increasing funding, embracing technology, enhancing teacher quality, reforming curricula, and involving stakeholders in policy development, Nigeria can build a more robust education system that prepares future generations for success,” he said.