Nigeria is busy playing hopscotch with what could arguably become a future masterpiece – education.
While other right thinking countries of the world are funding theirs rock solid, the leadership in these parts is playing hardball with its tertiary systems like bunch of ignobles. This systemic failure leaves anyone who is passionate about growth through the purview of refined learning completely stunned.
In the last decade, Nigeria has grappled with a persistent challenge that echoes in the corridors of its educational institutions—insufficient funding. The allocation towards education has fallen short of the needs of a growing population, resulting in a multitude of issues that demand urgent attention.
Why is it necessary to redirect national focus and resources towards this fundamental sector?
The Decay Of Educational Underinvestment
Nigeria’s population has experienced significant growth in the past decade, exerting immense pressure on its educational infrastructure.
Despite this, the budgetary allocation to education has not seen a proportional increase, leading to a widening gap between demand and available resources.
Also, economic fluctuations and challenges have played a role in limiting the government’s capacity to allocate substantial funds to education. Prioritizing competing sectors in the face of economic constraints has contributed to the neglect of this foundational pillar.
Infrastructure Deficit And Other Gaps
The educational sector grapples with an alarming deficit in infrastructure, ranging from dilapidated buildings to inadequate teaching materials. Insufficient funding exacerbates these challenges, hindering the creation of a conducive learning environment.
While the education system relies heavily on the dedication and competence of its educators, Unfortunately, low funding has translated into inadequate training programs and suboptimal welfare for teachers, impacting the quality of education imparted to students.
In the last two decades, Nigeria has witnessed an incredible number of tertiary institutions strikes, brain drain and a huge drop in the value of quality graduates.
The ripple from this negatives are so outstanding that the next few decades would slap on it.
The Dangerous Figures
The illiteracy rate in Nigeria is also scaling. As of September 2022, the level of illiteracy in Nigeria was about 31%, with a dangerously high level in the north. More so, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) states that about 40.1% of Nigerians are poor and about 63% are regarded as multidimensionally poor, with 72% of those in rural areas and 42% of urban centres falling under multidimensional poverty.
World bodies like the United Nations has taken notice, calling for a more intentional approach to the funding of education in Nigeria and the de-escalation of the challenges weakening the sector.
The Urgency Of Now
1. Investing in Human Capital: Adequate funding is a prerequisite for nurturing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
By investing in education, Nigeria can harness the potential of its youth, fostering innovation, and building a foundation for economic growth.
2. Global Competitiveness: In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, a well-funded education system ensures that Nigeria remains globally competitive.
Quality education equips individuals with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
3. Addressing Unemployment: A robust education sector is instrumental in reducing unemployment rates.
By aligning education with market demands and providing students with relevant skills, Nigeria can empower its workforce and bridge the gap between academia and industry.
4. Fostering National Development: Education is the bedrock of sustainable development. A well-funded educational system contributes to a knowledgeable citizenry capable of steering the nation towards prosperity, innovation, and social cohesion.
5. Global Education Standards: To meet global education standards, Nigeria must prioritize funding.
This includes not only increasing the budgetary allocation but also ensuring efficient utilization of resources to enhance the overall quality of education.
All Hands Must Be On Deck
As Nigeria needs a quick spread of educational reform, it is imperative to acknowledge the urgency of addressing the funding deficit.
The government, alongside private stakeholders, must commit to a strategic and sustained investment in education. Redirecting the focus towards this crucial sector is not just a fiscal responsibility; it is an investment in the nation’s future.
By taking funding seriously at this moment, Nigeria can break free from the shackles of underinvestment, paving the way for a vibrant, dynamic, and globally competitive education system.
Culled in by Fortune Omosola
