Education is the foundation of national development, yet Nigeria faces a stark reality: millions of children lack access to basic education, and many who do attend struggle to learn effectively. With one of the world’s highest rates of out-of-school children due to poverty, cultural norms, and conflict, how can we build a brighter future through education policy in Nigeria?
Episode 9 of The Leading Woman Show’s Policy Series answers this question in details and the experts who shape this important conversation are: Nabila Aguele, the Chief Executive, Malala Fund and Global Advocate for Gender Equality & Policy Change, Nguyan Fesse, Utibe Henshaw, the Program Manager, The Education Partnership Centre, and Nguyan Fesse, an Education Expert & Senior Strategic Adviser at PLAIN Initiative
The Learning Crisis and Systemic Challenges
A major obstacle is the learning poverty crisis, where children either remain out of school or fail to acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills despite attending. Several states have declared education emergencies, underlining the severity of the situation.
The challenges are multifaceted:
- Inadequate funding: Nigeria falls short of its commitment to allocate 4% of its GDP or 22.5% of its budget to education.
- Poor coordination: There is a lack of synergy between federal and state governments, leading to policy inconsistencies.
- Poverty and insecurity: Inflation, high living costs, and instability force families to prioritize survival over schooling.
- Gender disparities: Social norms, early marriage, and economic barriers disproportionately affect girls’ education.
A holistic, integrated approach is essential to address these systemic issues while considering Nigeria’s diverse regions.
Bridging the Data Gap and Strengthening Policy Implementation
Reliable data is crucial for informed policymaking. Key questions remain unanswered:
- How many children are truly out of school?
- Where are they located?
- What are their specific educational needs?
The Popular saying “What we care about, we measure. What we don’t measure, we don’t care about” comes to the fore. Without accurate data, tracking progress and allocating resources effectively becomes impossible.
Nigeria’s National Policy on Education aims to provide equal opportunities for all, yet implementation varies due to the concurrent governance structure. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) program promises free, compulsory schooling, but capacity gaps mean many children remain excluded. If all 10 million+ out-of-school children suddenly enrolled, would the system be prepared to accommodate them?
Additionally, teacher recruitment, training, and deployment must align with data-driven insights. Many schools in underserved areas lack qualified educators, making it necessary to refine teacher distribution policies.
Rethinking Education Funding and Priorities
Currently, 2.5% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund is allocated to basic education. However, disparities exist—smaller states receive the same funding as larger ones, despite differences in school population and educational challenges. Additionally, a disproportionate amount of education funding is directed toward tertiary institutions, while foundational learning suffers.
If 70% of Nigerian children in school cannot read, the focus must shift. Investment in early education, teacher training, and resources is critical to laying a solid foundation, especially in an era where literacy is the gateway to technological and economic advancement.
International benchmarks recommend that at least 15-20% of the national budget should be allocated to education, with a significant portion dedicated to early learning and primary education. By re-evaluating spending priorities, Nigeria can ensure that resources go where they are needed most.
Expanding Access and Addressing Cultural Barriers
Education policies must be inclusive, considering:
- The gap in senior secondary education: UBE only covers up to junior secondary school, leading to high dropout rates, particularly for girls. Extending UBE to senior secondary school is long overdue.
- Protecting vulnerable children: The domestication of the Child Rights Act across states provides legal protection against child labor and early marriage, but enforcement remains weak.
- Supporting pregnant and married adolescent girls: Re-entry policies exist but require stronger implementation to ensure young mothers can continue their education.
- Leveraging public-private partnerships: The private sector can offer more than infrastructure, playing a role in curriculum development, mentorship, and teacher training.
Cultural biases that prioritize male education and promote early marriage must be actively challenged. Policy discussions should involve men and boys as allies in breaking these barriers.
Parental and community engagement is also crucial in shifting attitudes toward education. Grassroots awareness campaigns can help dispel myths that prevent girls and marginalized children from attending school.
Transforming Teaching and Preparing for the Future
For education to be effective, the teaching approach must evolve:
- From rote learning to active engagement: Teachers should transition from lecturers to facilitators, guiding students toward critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Equipping students with real-world skills: Beyond academics, students need exposure to creativity, emotional intelligence, and independent thinking to compete on a global scale.
- Making learning accessible and enjoyable: Schools should integrate interactive methods such as play, projects, and digital tools to make learning engaging and effective.
Many schools in Nigeria still rely on outdated curricula that do not adequately prepare students for modern challenges. A curriculum review should integrate digital literacy, financial education, and entrepreneurial skills to enhance employability and innovation.
Moreover, teacher welfare must be prioritized. Inconsistent salaries and inadequate professional development programs hinder teachers’ effectiveness. Incentive programs, continuous training, and mentorship structures can help elevate the teaching profession and improve learning outcomes.
Leveraging Technology for Educational Reform
The digital revolution presents a unique opportunity to bridge education gaps. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for alternative learning models, yet many Nigerian students lacked access to online education due to infrastructural and economic constraints.
Potential solutions include:
- Expanding access to low-cost tablets preloaded with educational content.
- Establishing community learning centers with internet access.
- Investing in radio and television educational programming for remote areas.
- Encouraging mobile learning through SMS-based and WhatsApp-supported learning materials.
Digital inclusion policies should focus on expanding broadband connectivity to rural areas, ensuring that no child is left behind in the technological era.
The Way Forward
A robust education system is the backbone of any thriving society. To secure Nigeria’s future, policymakers, educators, parents, and communities must work together to redefine the promise of education. By prioritizing foundational learning, addressing systemic challenges, and preparing students for the demands of the 21st century, Nigeria can transform its education landscape and empower future generations.