There is no doubt that the foundation of every nation is the education of its citizens. This is because education is the movement from darkness to light. Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself. The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

According to Sydney Harris, the whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. Suffice it to say that the great aim of education is not knowledge but action. In this case, the famous African aphorism, “Give a man fish and you feed him for a day, but teach a man how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime”, comes to mind.

Therefore, there is no gainsaying the fact that education system in Nigeria has worsened since independence. People now crave for educational certificate without defending such certificate. In those days, someone with Primary 6 certificate could teach. Unfortunately, graduates today are half-baked as some of them cannot communicate well in English, even those who read English.

The quota system that is being adopted in Nigeria has not helped matters. It guarantees admission for poorly performed students to the detriment of bright ones. Inadequate funding also affects the standard of education in the country. Infrastructural facilities are not improved upon.

For instance, in the last 10 years, Rwanda has overhauled its education sector. 60% of private schools have adjusted due to the excessive funding of the education sector by the government.

In Nigeria, many Private schools have better facilities than some public schools. Other state governments and indeed the federal government should, however, copy the Anambra template in education, where schools are not only provided modern facilities and equipment but teachers are motivated to enhance productivity. No wonder Anambra always comes top in both internal and external academic contests.

On the part of parents, they should not abdicate their responsibilities to the school. Parents should try and create more time for their children. Some parents believe that once they pay school fees, the school should take over completely. Depression is taking place more among the children. Children hardly see their parents at home. However, children blossom more when they are shown love. It is highly expected of parents to do more for their children beyond paying school fees.

Furthermore, teaching profession is not only about teaching students alone. It encompasses several things. Teachers need to develop skills set to enable them perform their roles effectively. The education system in Nigeria is at fault. Teachers need to be specialists in their own field. Teachers should not just be employed but tested on their competencies and capabilities.

There should be proper supervision of the education sector. Government should de-emphasize quantitative education, rather qualitative education. It should not be how many high school graduates do we have but how many of those graduates can defend their certificates. Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.

All tiers of government should note that an investment in education pays the best interest. Hence, they must focus on upgrading infrastructural facilities in our nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary education. Budgetary provision to education should be enhanced. Funds must not just be provided, but such funding must be monitored and supervised to ensure proper allocation and judicious spending.  The foundation of everything is important. It takes huge efforts to correct the fundamental errors.

Nelson Mandela, former South African President, once said that education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world. This is because education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army. No person can attain his full heights until he is educated. Proper education is what allows you to stand out. All hands must therefore be on deck to make the education system better in Nigeria.

WRITTEN BY DR. TIMOTHY IFEDIORANMA

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