By Elizabeth Osayande

As Nigeria marks its 64th independence anniversary, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPPS has raised kudos, and knocks to the educational policies and reforms by the Bola Tinubu’s administration in the last one year.

Giving a breakdown of education policies from independent such as the Universal Primary Education, UPE of 1976 and and the Universal Basic Education (UBE) of 1999, the national president of NAPPS, Chief Yomi Otubela explained ghat despite the policies, the sector had continued to be mar with challenges such as poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, and a misalignment between education output and the labor market have persisted, hindering the full realisation of these policy objectives.

Adding that Nigeria’s education policies which have been geared toward national integration, human capital development, and economic growth, Otubela lamented that over decades, inconsistent implementation and weak monitoring frameworks have often undermined these noble objectives.

His words: “ As a result of the challenges, the education sector has not yet reached its full potential in driving sustainable development, despite the significant strides made.”

Speaking of policies made in the last year, NAPPS president noted that although President Tinubu’s administration, have made efforts in to address the long-standing challenges in the sector via reforms focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics STEM) vocational education, and teacher training. These efforts, he said must be matched with more substantial investments in funding and policy implementation to create lasting change.

Kudos, and knocks

Part of the signed release by NAPPS read:

“Funding and Infrastructure: Despite a modest increase in the education budget, funding remains insufficient when compared to the UNESCO-recommended 15-20% of the national budget. The lack of significant infrastructural development has affected the quality of education, especially in public schools. Without improved funding, it will be difficult to address the dilapidated school buildings, outdated learning materials, and inadequate technology integration in classrooms.

“Policy Implementation: Policies introduced to improve digital literacy and vocational training are steps in the right direction, but implementation has been slow. There is a need for stronger partnerships between the government and private education providers to accelerate the rollout of these reforms and to ensure that they have a meaningful impact across the country.

“Teacher Development: Teacher training programs have received some attention, but much more needs to be done. A well-equipped teaching force is critical to delivering quality education. The government should continue to invest in continuous professional development for teachers, especially in public schools, and incentivise educators to stay in the profession.

“Industrial Harmony:Frequent strikes due to unresolved issues between education unions and the government have continued to disrupt the academic calendar. While the private sector has experienced relative stability, the ongoing challenges in public education affect overall progress. A long-term strategy for sustainable industrial relations is needed to foster stability in the sector.”

Has the Education Sector Fared Better Under President Tinubu?

“While there have been efforts to improve the sector, we must acknowledge that the education sector has not seen the significant turnaround that was hoped for. Progress has been incremental, and there is still much work to be done to address issues of quality, access, and equity.

“The private sector continues to play a critical role in filling some of the gaps, but without more comprehensive government intervention, the sector as a whole may struggle to keep pace with global educational standards

Students’ Loan Programme

“Recently, Tinubu’s administration implemented a student loan program for public tertiary institution students, marking a significant policy shift aimed at improving access to higher education. The Student Loan Act, signed into law in June 2023, is designed to provide interest-free loans to students who are unable to afford tuition fees, particularly targeting those from low-income families.

“However, the programme is limited to students in public tertiary institutions, leaving out those attending private universities. Given the role that private institutions play in Nigeria’s education system, many believe the exclusion undermines the policy’s potential impact.

Out-of-School Children

“The situation of out-of-school children in Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains a significant concern. Nigeria continues to face one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally, with recent estimates indicating over 20 million children are not enrolled in formal education. This figure has not shown significant improvement over the past year, and various factors contribute to this worrying trend:

“Insecurity: Ongoing security challenges, particularly in northern Nigeria, have exacerbated the problem. Banditry, kidnappings, and insurgency have forced many children out of school, as parents fear for their safety. The government’s efforts to address this, such as increasing military operations in affected regions, are yet to yield the desired level of security that would allow a safe return to schools.

“Poverty and Economic Challenges:The removal of fuel subsidies and the resultant increase in the cost of living have placed further financial strain on families, especially in low-income households. Many parents are unable to afford school fees, uniforms, and learning materials. While the government has introduced some social safety nets, such as conditional cash transfers, the scale of these interventions is not sufficient to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children.

“Infrastructure and Access: In many rural areas, the lack of basic educational infrastructure continues to be a barrier. Schools are either non-existent or poorly equipped, discouraging enrollment. Although the Tinubu administration has made efforts to improve school infrastructure, the rate of development is slow, and more investment is needed to expand access, particularly in marginalised communities.

“Cultural and Social Barriers: In some regions especially the Northern region, cultural practices still pose a barrier to education, particularly for girls. Early marriage, child labour, and gender discrimination contribute to a higher number of out-of-school children. Government programs aimed at addressing these cultural barriers, such as advocacy for girls’ education, have had limited impact so far.

The Way Forward: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

“Increased Funding:The government must prioritize education funding to ensure that schools, both public and private, are equipped to provide quality learning environments. This should include investing in modern infrastructure, digital tools, and resources that will enhance the teaching and learning experience.

“Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships:Collaborative efforts between the government and private education providers are essential to addressing systemic challenges. Private schools have been instrumental in driving innovation and maintaining high standards, and there should be more formal partnerships to leverage these strengths.

“Focus on Vocational and Technical Education: To align education with national development goals, there must be a stronger focus on vocational and technical training. This will equip students with practical skills that can directly contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth, reducing unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship.

“Enhancing Teacher Welfare and Professional Development: The welfare of teachers, particularly in public schools, needs urgent attention. By providing better incentives and more opportunities for professional growth, the government can ensure that teachers remain motivated and committed to improving educational outcomes.

“Industrial Harmony:The government should develop a framework for resolving industrial disputes in the education sector to ensure that strikes do not continue to disrupt learning. This requires a proactive approach to addressing the concerns of educational unions, particularly regarding remuneration and working conditions.

Call for action

NAPPS through her president, however call for action by all stakeholders, especially the government to improve the education sector, and harness its potentials in the growth and development of the country.

Otubela: “As we celebrate 64 years of independence, it is clear that the education sector holds the key to Nigeria’s future development. The policies that have shaped our education system over the years have laid a foundation, but the task of building a resilient, inclusive, and high-quality education system remains. With increased government commitment, stronger public-private partnerships, and a focus on innovation, we can transform the challenges facing the sector into opportunities for growth and national development.”