It’s time to take proactive steps to boost literacy in Nigeria

If there is anything that will earn the commendation of Nigerians, it is the ability for a government to provide platforms where they are not just fed but are trained to know how to feed. A nation that doesn’t prioritise education is heading to its doom and we sincerely hope this is not the case with Nigeria.

Section 18 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates the government to direct its policy towards ensuring there are equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels.

This law if adhered to by government at all levels will help all the children in low-income homes acquire basic reading skills before leaving school. This is because education helps to eradicate poverty, hunger, and also gives individuals the chance of a better life.

It is estimated that 35 per cent of Nigerian children who attend primary school do not go on to attend secondary school.

According to a recent report carried out by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) 75 per cent of primary school age pupils in Nigeria are unable to read with understanding or solve simple math problems. This ought to be seen by government, at all levels, as a wake-up call.

Also, a report conducted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in collaboration with the Global Education Monitoring Report, has revealed that the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria had escalated to 20 million in 2022, compared to the approximately 12.5 million recorded in 2021.

Similarly, the World Bank in a report revealed that no fewer than four million Nigerians were pushed into the poverty trap in the first six months of this year, with another 7.1 million more expected to join the difficulty if properly targeted measures are not taken to manage the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

It is however a matter that must be treated with outmost urgency at the triangular levels of learning (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary).

Aside the fact that there are not adequate learning facilities in some public schools in Nigeria, it is observed that the educational system is in total shambles compared to the past where a teacher would teach with love and passion.

Also, due to hike in price of tuition fee, some pupils/students find it hard to learn. Recall that the Nigerian government itself acknowledged that the country has the highest number of children out of school in the world. It said further that there are about 10.5 million children not being educated.

Education stakeholders attribute the blame to cultural factors, nomadic communities, banditry, and the terrorism that continues to ravage parts of the country.

The education disaster in Nigeria is affecting children across the country. However, some children are more likely to be affected than others.

Besides, research has shown that some states are educationally backward in Nigeria. States like Zamfara, Yobe and Ebonyi have at one time or the other been listed among the educationally backward states.

The path towards resolving the education crisis requires a long-term commitment and a detailed approach. It is crucial for the government to allocate a significant portion of the national budget to education, prioritising infrastructure development, learning materials, and teacher recruitment and training.

Meanwhile, the spate of attacks on schools and the abduction of learners have created a climate of fear and insecurity among parents, discouraging them from sending their children to school. This is an alarming trend that must be urgently addressed.

To restore normalcy in the safety of schools, the government must collaborate closely with security agencies to provide a secure environment for students and teachers. Enhanced security measures, intelligence gathering, and community involvement are vital in countering attacks on schools and abductions. Parents need assurance that their children can receive education without fear for their safety, allowing them to make the important decision to send their children to school.

The involvement of international organisations and NGOs is invaluable in addressing the education crisis. These partnerships bring expertise, funding, and resources that can support the implementation of effective strategies. By collaborating with organisations such as UNICEF and UNESCO, we can access global networks, share best practices, and benefit from their experiences in similar contexts.

NGOs play a crucial role in reaching underserved communities, providing educational opportunities to those who are most vulnerable and marginalized.

Tackling Nigeria’s education disaster is not a task for a single entity, it requires the collective effort of government, civil society, communities, and international partners. As citizens, we must demand accountability from our leaders and advocate for increased investment in education.

The poverty alleviation programs should be implemented to uplift families and provide financial support to ensure that children can attend school regularly. By breaking the cycle of poverty, we can create an environment where education is seen as a pathway to a brighter future and a means to escape the hardship of poverty.

States should also leverage on the Universal Basic Education Commission’s (UBEC) vision to get their people educated. The fundamental principle of UBEC in Nigeria is that everybody must have access to equivalent education comprehensively and co-educationally.

The clock is ticking and waits for no one. The time to take proactive steps for the prosperity of Nigerian education sector is now.