Better Education for All

Photo by Olanma Etigwe-uwa by Pexels

By Marire Adebanjo

Education is the transmission of ideas and values essential for individual and societal survival and progress. This is a basic right that a child should access, regardless of their gender.

The education of young people is, however, fraught with many challenges. 

“According to the United Nations, primary school enrollment rates in Nigeria have increased from 57% in 1999 to 71% in 2018. This increase can be attributed to government efforts to improve access to education and reduce the gender gap.” – Obeza E Luise 2023. However, we still have a long way to go in rural areas in Nigeria. 

Obeza also stated that in most households, the education of their male child over their female child. This is one of the major reasons why the gender gap in Nigerian education continues almost unabated. In recent years, we have been able to tackle this gender gap to some extent. We can see that more girls are now getting the education they deserve. 

Another major challenge in the educational system in Nigeria is children lack practical knowledge of how to adapt to the society and the economic environment that Nigeria presently has. Most students are being taught mostly theoretical knowledge, even at the tertiary level, without the infusion of outside-the-classroom knowledge or experience.

Another factor stunting educational growth is the lack of funding. If you visit most schools, especially public primary schools, you can easily tell that they need more funding to build their infrastructure and learning environment. Students need to be in an environment that is not just conducive but also boosts their learning morale. 

Teachers also need to be constantly trained to keep them informed and up-to-date on their subjects. Teachers could also use better pay. This doesn’t just boost their desire to work but their ability to deliver with enthusiasm.

We can resolve these challenges by increasing funding for education. With more funding, students will be provided with quality education. Educational infrastructures like libraries, computers, laboratories, better classrooms, and learning environments should be the order of the day. Libraries should be built in accessible locations in the communities and should have up-to-date books, materials, and other infrastructures

Teachers should be trained regularly to keep them informed and current. This will help increase the quality of education and thus, the future of students.