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Overview:
- Nigeria’s education system follows the 6-3-3-4 structure, aiming for universal primary education, yet over 10.5 million children remain out of school—the highest globally.
- The system grapples with deep-rooted challenges, including insufficient funding, overcrowded classrooms, a lack of trained teachers, poor infrastructure, and exclusion of marginalized learners.
- Reforming the education landscape calls for strengthened governance, increased investment, inclusive policies, and teacher empowerment to ensure equitable access to learning.
- Technology is emerging as a transformative force, enabling digital learning and bridging gaps in remote areas, while NGOs like Girl Power USA champion grassroots efforts in literacy and vocational training.
- International partnerships have proven vital, with organizations like the World Bank supporting impactful reforms and collaborative projects to enhance education quality and accessibility in Nigeria.
Since the pre-colonial times, there have been two major types of education in Nigeria, the indigenous and the Islamic education, which are now replaced by formal education. Currently, the education system in Nigeria is supervised by the state, where approximately 16 years (6-3-3-4 system) are required to attain a bachelor’s level degree in most subjects. The first 6 years of primary education are mandatory for all children. However, Nigeria has 10.5 million children who are not in school. The country has the largest number of out-of-school children. According to UNICEF, about 1 in every 5 of the world’s out-of-school children is in Nigeria.
Challenges Facing the Education System in Nigeria
The high number of uneducated children has been linked to various factors that include;
- Inadequate funding
- Overcrowding in schools
- Teacher shortages
- Lack of infrastructure
- Poverty
- Regional and cultural differences
- Non-inclusive and non-specialized teaching for marginalized students, especially disabled students.
Funding of education is a state affair. However, a decline in crude oil prices, a major source of government revenue, has caused a decrease in the amount set aside for the education system. This, coupled with the high levels of corruption in the government, has led to a lack of adequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and non-payment of teachers’ allowances.
Non-special and non-inclusive education leaves many disadvantaged students, such as disabled children, behind. Because they do not have trained staff or adaptive materials, they are unable to learn productively, further increasing the gap in education.
Regional differences have also resulted in the politicization of education. Regional and political affiliations influence admission and employment processes. Due to such practices, highly qualified teachers have been reportedly denied employment opportunities. This affects the quality of education provided, as well as results in a lack of true representation in the workforce.
Lastly, similar to other African countries, poor governance has resulted in an increased level of poverty among the people of the state. Parents are unable to send their children to school due to increased prices, including ancillary costs such as uniforms and scholastic materials. Among all this, the governmental promise of free basic education to its people has not been fulfilled.
Solutions for Improving Education in Nigeria
According to the World Bank, 70% of 10-year-old Nigerian children cannot read or understand a simple sentence, a situation described as a “learning crisis.”
When it comes to reviving the education system in Nigeria, the government needs to play a vital part. Adequate funding and proper governance are needed to ensure the required infrastructure for education, decent wages, and proper training for the teachers.
Other solutions include tackling the level of corruption in the education sector and ensuring admissions into tertiary institutions are based solely on merit.
The Role of Technology in Advancing Nigeria’s Education
Technology is changing education all over the world. By leveraging tech, Nigeria is also tapping into its potential to break through the longstanding challenges. Digital solutions can prove impactful in areas where physical access to classrooms is constrained.
Web Resources
Technology has the potential to bridge the urban and rural education gap by providing equal access to quality education through web resources, e-books, and educational applications. The students from remote areas of Nigeria gain equal access to quality education and materials similar to students in urban areas, increasing the equality in education.
E-learning Platforms
Online education and e-learning platforms have made it possible for students in Nigeria to access proper education aligned with the state curriculum from computers and mobile phones anywhere.
Role of Non-profit Organizations in Nigeria’s Education
Nongovernmental initiatives that fight for children’s rights to education and advocate for reformative government policies have immensely changed education outcomes in Nigeria.
From the first NGOs established 1960s to the time they diversified and grew, NGOs have made huge contributions to expanding access to education, improving policy reforms, and implementing programs for quality education.
Despite all the setbacks NGOs face, such as a lack of funds and a lack of collaboration, NGOs continue to stay dedicated to bridging the gap in education and making it achievable for every child in Nigeria to attain quality education.
Role of Global Partnerships
Global partnerships are crucial in addressing the challenges facing the education sector in Nigeria. Collaborations between non-profit organizations and the government can lead to an increase in resources and provide the required expertise. Partnerships with organizations like the World Bank, in the past, have led to the implementation of policies and educational initiatives such as the Partnership for Education Project (NIPEP) and the Nigeria State Education Sector Project aimed at improving access to education and the quality of education in Nigeria.
How Girl Power USA is Helping
Girl Power USA, a 503(c)(1) nonprofit organization in partnership with Enabled to Enable (E-enable), a Nigerian nonprofit organization, is working to change the education system in Nigeria. Together, we are committed to improving access to quality education for differently abled and underprivileged children.
Through our program, we have provided scholarships to 100+ girls, enabling them to stay in school and have a proper education without worrying about the financial burden.
Our Vocational Training for E-Enable Beneficiaries program equips girls with disabilities, vulnerable women, and children with life skills that generate independence, employability, and long-term self-sustainability.
Currently, Girl Power USA is raising funds to establish a school with a specialist teacher for the differently abled students. This is also part of our commitment to the UN SDGs for quality education, reduced inequality, and gender equality. In partnership with E-Enable, Girl Power USA is building an inclusive and empowering program to ensure education and development for children in Nigeria. Not only is Girl Power USA transforming education in Nigeria, but also dedicated to improving education in Uganda. Through its initiative to support healthcare in Uganda, Girl Power USA is supporting young doctors by providing them with financial resources to complete their education and serve their communities.
Conclusion:
Education is the foundation of national development in Nigeria; thus, investing in it is investing in the future. Regardless of the many challenges, partnerships between organizations such as Girl Power USA, local organizations, and the government can impart positive change on the educational landscape in Nigeria, empowering its youth and propelling the nation towards sustainable development.
FAQs:
1- Does Nigeria have a good education system?
Nigeria has a structured education system and many dedicated institutions; however, challenges such as underfunding, corruption, and inequality limit the quality and accessibility of education across the country.
2- What is the main problem of education in Nigeria?
Inadequate financial support to the education sector is the main problem as it leads to a shortage of teachers, poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, and a high rate of school dropouts in rural and areas affected by conflict.
3- Where is Nigeria ranked in education?
In 2022, the World Bank Human Capital Index ranked Nigeria among the lowest countries in the global education index, indicating obvious gaps in access as well as learning outcomes.
