Did you know that over 20 million Nigerian children are currently out of school, making Nigeria the country with the largest number of out-of-school children globally?
Hello, I’m Simon Taki Zaku, Founder and CEO of IBIFoundry.com.ng.
Born and raised in Jalingo, Taraba State, I have personally witnessed the challenges of accessing quality education in Nigeria.
Growing up, education wasn’t just a pathway to success; it was often the only option for many families seeking to escape poverty.
Today, I’ll take you through the intricacies of Nigeria’s education system, its structure, challenges, and opportunities for reform.
As someone deeply invested in empowering Nigerians through education and entrepreneurship, I believe understanding this system is critical to creating sustainable solutions.
The Structure of Nigeria’s Education System
Nigeria’s education system operates under the 6-3-3-4 structure, introduced in the 1980s. Here's what it entails:
1. Six Years of Primary Education:
Compulsory for children aged 6 to 12.
Subjects include English, Mathematics, Basic Science, and Civic Education.
2. Three Years of Junior Secondary Education:
Focuses on foundational skills.
Students are introduced to practical subjects like Basic Technology and Agriculture.
3. Three Years of Senior Secondary Education:
Prepares students for higher education or vocational training.
Includes Science, Arts, and Commercial streams.
4. Four Years of Tertiary Education:
Offered in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Despite this structure, implementation varies across states due to economic disparities, leading to significant gaps in educational quality and accessibility.
Challenges Facing Nigeria’s Education System
1. Funding Shortages:
Only 5.4% of Nigeria’s 2024 budget was allocated to education, far below the UNESCO-recommended 15-20%.
This has led to inadequate infrastructure, poorly paid teachers, and insufficient learning materials.
2. Teacher Shortages and Low Morale:
Nigeria needs over 250,000 teachers to meet the current demand.
Many educators work in overcrowded classrooms with limited resources, impacting teaching quality.
3. Out-of-School Children:
Over 60% of Nigeria’s out-of-school children are girls, often due to poverty, child marriage, or cultural biases.
4. Strikes in Tertiary Institutions:
Frequent industrial actions disrupt university education, with some students spending 6-8 years on 4-year programs.
5. Regional Disparities:
Northern Nigeria faces higher illiteracy rates, exacerbated by insecurity and cultural barriers.
Under President Bola Tinubu's administration, Nigeria's education sector has undergone significant reforms aimed at enhancing accessibility, quality, and relevance. Here's a detailed overview of the new educational structure:
Under President Tinubu's regime, he implemented a new policy; let's look at the 2025 update on Nigerian school structure.
1. Introduction of the 12-Year Basic Education Model
The Federal Government has proposed extending basic education from the current 9-year system to a 12-year model. This restructuring integrates secondary education into the basic education framework, ensuring uninterrupted learning up to the age of 16.
The initiative aims to provide students with a more cohesive educational experience and better preparation for tertiary education or vocational pursuits. citeturn0search1
2. Establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)
To support higher education accessibility, the government established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) under the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act of 2024.
NELFUND provides financial assistance to eligible students for tuition and related expenses, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic pursuits.
As of August 2024, NELFUND disbursed approximately ₦2.9 billion to 19 institutions, benefiting over 27,000 students.
3. Comprehensive Overhaul of the Education Sector
President Tinubu's administration has initiated system-wide policies to revitalize the education sector.
Key measures include the establishment of a National Education Data System to enhance data-driven decision-making, the integration of skill development programs at all educational levels, and nationwide teacher training and support initiatives.
These reforms aim to improve learning outcomes, increase enrollment, and ensure the academic security of Nigerian children.
4. Emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships
The administration recognizes the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector in advancing educational quality.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has advocated for increased private sector investment in education, emphasizing its crucial role in providing quality education and developing the nation's intellectual capital.
5. Conversion of Federal Science and Technical Colleges
As part of the educational reforms, there is a proposal to convert federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges.
This move aims to enhance vocational and technical education, addressing the skills gap and better-equipping students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.
These initiatives reflect the Tinubu administration's commitment to transforming Nigeria's educational landscape, ensuring that it meets global standards and caters to the evolving needs of its populace.
The Role of Education in Development
Education is the bedrock of any thriving society. In Nigeria:
Economic Growth: Education equips individuals with skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Social Equality: Literacy empowers marginalized communities, particularly women and girls.
Political Awareness: An educated populace is more likely to participate in democratic processes.
Opportunities for Reform
1. Investment in Teacher Training:
Programs to upskill educators can improve learning outcomes.
Incentives like housing and higher wages can attract more teachers.
2. Leveraging Technology:
E-learning platforms like uLesson and Edutech have shown promise.
Solar-powered schools in rural areas can bridge the digital divide.
3. Community Engagement:
Encouraging parents and local leaders to prioritize education can reduce cultural resistance, especially in rural areas.
4. Public-Private Partnerships:
Collaborations with organizations like Teach for Nigeria and UNICEF can improve infrastructure and provide scholarships.
5. Focus on Vocational Training:
Expanding technical colleges can create job-ready graduates, reducing unemployment.
Final Thoughts
As Nigerians, we must reimagine education as a national priority.
From hawkers who struggle daily to make a living to policymakers with the power to transform systems, education affects us all.
Let’s create an environment where every Nigerian child has access to quality learning, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Simon Taki Zaku,
Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry.com.ng
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