Education stakeholders at the Geoffrey Nebo 20th anniversary and fifth memorial lecture in Lagos have raised the alarm that Nigeria’s education system is failing to keep pace with the country’s population growth and economic needs, and called for urgent, systemic reforms.
The lecture, themed: ‘Rethinking Nigerian educational system: The need for paradigm shift,’ brought together academics, foundation leaders, and school administrators to examine the state of education countrywide.
Alarming Out-of-School Figures
Chairman of the occasion, Okoroji Onoh, opened with figures on the scale of the challenge. He said about 18.3 million Nigerian children are currently out-of-school, with more than 66 per cent in northern Nigeria. Onoh described the statistics as a reflection of a major disconnect between government efforts, educational policies, and realities on the ground in communities across the country.
Onoh, who is Chairman of The Brains Premier School, Lagos, said the numbers raise questions about whether Nigeria is matching its commitments with adequate budgetary allocations to universities, polytechnics, unity colleges, and other institutions. He stressed that stakeholders must critically examine the direction of the country’s education sector, and chart a sustainable path for the future.
Call for a Paradigm Shift
Founder of the Nebo Foundation, Mrs Mary Lotachukwu Ohagwasi, said the event’s theme was chosen to encourage policymakers, educators, parents, and students to reflect on the current state of education and embrace meaningful reforms. She said Nigeria’s progress depends largely on the quality of its educational system, adding that the country faces several challenges that require urgent and innovative solutions.
Ohagwasi described the memorial lecture as a platform to ignite fresh perspectives, challenge outdated educational models, and inspire practical strategies to reposition Nigeria’s education sector for excellence, inclusivity, and relevance. She urged stakeholders to ensure that educational practices in the country remain equitable, relevant, and responsive to the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Equipping Youths for the Future
She also stressed the importance of positioning Nigerian youths for emerging opportunities by equipping them with the right knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in the future.
The guest speaker, Prof. Adeniyi Adeyemi, said education should go beyond academic learning and certificates to shape individuals from within and influence their contribution to society. Adeyemi, a Professor of Curriculum Studies and Physics Education at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), lamented that unemployment remains one of the major challenges confronting the country, and linked part of the problem to the quality of education and teacher welfare.
Teacher Welfare and Mindset Change
He said improving teachers’ welfare would significantly enhance the quality of education delivered in classrooms. He also acknowledged that certificates continue to play a role in achieving functional education and societal relevance, while urging Nigerians, particularly young people, to develop a positive mindset towards themselves and the country, noting that changing perceptions about Nigeria is critical to national development.
Founder of the Nigerian Teachers Community, Dr Peter Ogudoro, said poor leadership and the failure of Nigeria’s education system are responsible for the country’s slow development, despite its vast human and natural resources.
Population Growth: Asset or Liability?
Ogudoro said projections placing Nigeria among the world’s most populous nations by 2050 should ordinarily be an advantage, but warned that the rapidly growing population could become a liability if citizens are not empowered through quality education. “The challenge is not population growth itself, but the inability to empower the people through functional education and opportunities,” he said.
He contrasted Nigeria with some Western countries where young people are losing interest in university education, saying Nigerian youths still show a strong desire for higher education. Recalling his academic experience in the United Kingdom, he said institutions abroad struggle to encourage students to enrol, while in Nigeria, many become depressed if they do not get admission because they genuinely desire education.
Beyond Charity: Sustainable Empowerment
Ogudoro also criticised what he described as an excessive reliance on charity rather than sustainable empowerment programmes. He urged leaders and philanthropists to focus on creating systems that empower citizens economically, rather than relying on temporary handouts.
