The State of Nigeria’s Education Sector and the Role of Teacher Education
Dr. Smart Olugbeko, the outgoing National President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), has shared his insights on the current state of Nigeria’s education sector, particularly teacher education. In an interview, he discusses the challenges faced by the sector over the past 65 years of political independence and highlights the importance of prioritizing teacher education.
A Critical Assessment of Nigeria’s Education Sector
Nigeria has struggled to make a significant impact in the education sector, largely due to the lack of attention from successive governments, especially since the mid-1980s. The country’s economic struggles are closely tied to its educational shortcomings, as education is the foundation of any nation’s development. Despite this, the sector continues to receive lip service rather than meaningful investment.
Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation, yet they are often treated with little respect or support. Dr. Olugbeko emphasizes that without quality education, Nigeria will continue to lag behind in development. He argues that governments must prioritize the education sector, ensuring that teachers receive fair conditions of service, adequate welfare, and proper infrastructure.
Improving the Education Sector
To improve the education sector, Dr. Olugbeko suggests that all levels of education—from primary to tertiary—must be addressed. This includes providing teachers with better salaries, allowances, and working environments. Public schools must have well-equipped libraries, science laboratories, and access to technology such as computers and internet facilities. Additionally, students’ hostels should be maintained to provide a conducive learning environment.
Private school operators also need an enabling environment to thrive, which would contribute to the overall growth of the education system. While the current administration has made some efforts, such as reintroducing technical and vocational education, there is still a long way to go.
Dual Mandate Policy and Its Implications
One of the key developments in the education sector is the dual mandate policy, which allows colleges of education to award both the National Certificate in Education (NCE) and degrees concurrently. This policy, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, has been a long-standing demand of COEASU. It aims to attract more qualified individuals to the teaching profession by allowing NCE holders to pursue degrees in just five years instead of seven.
This approach mirrors the dual qualifications seen in other professions, such as nursing and midwifery. However, the success of this policy depends on its implementation, as the current system may not be fully prepared for the changes it brings.
Challenges in Attracting Talent to Teaching
Despite the potential benefits of the dual mandate policy, teacher education continues to face challenges in attracting talent. Many students avoid education courses, opting for fields like medicine, engineering, or law, which offer better financial prospects and social recognition. Dr. Olugbeko points out that only a small number of students apply for education-related programs each year, leading to a shortage of qualified teachers.
He calls for greater recognition of teachers, suggesting that they should be eligible for prestigious awards like the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA). With over 500,000 teachers in Nigeria, it is unreasonable to believe that none are worthy of national honors.
Hope for the Future
While the education sector faces numerous challenges, Dr. Olugbeko remains hopeful. He compares the situation to a person who is ill but still has hope for recovery. As long as there is a commitment to improvement, the sector can still grow and develop.
Celebrating World Teachers’ Day
As part of their celebrations for World Teachers’ Day, COEASU shifted the event to this Thursday, October 10th, in Abuja. The union plans to honor outstanding students and individuals who have contributed to teacher development. A N1 million scholarship will be awarded to the best college of education student nationwide, with smaller prizes for students across the six geopolitical zones.
Five individuals who have made significant contributions to the education sector will also be recognized. These include Professor Kabiru Isyaku, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, Professor Jamila Shu’ara, Mr. Abdulmumin Oniyangi, and Professor Josiah Ajiboye. Their work has helped shape the future of teacher education in Nigeria.
The Role of Unions in Advocacy
Dr. Olugbeko also commented on the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). While he cannot speak for the union, he acknowledges that the ultimatum given by ASUU may be a result of failed negotiations with the government. He believes that strikes are a legal means of addressing grievances and that the government must respond positively to the demands of academic staff.
