Stakeholders Call for Educational Overhaul, Stressing Urgency for Improved Learning

Educational stakeholders are urging the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the national education system. The emphasis is on ensuring a conducive environment for effective learning throughout schools in the country.

Concerns about the deteriorating learning outcomes, especially at the basic education level, and the diminishing reading culture have prompted these calls. Stakeholders expressed their worries and proposed solutions in discussions with the Nigerian Tribune.

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Camillus Ukah, President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), stressed the critical need to revive the reading culture, asserting that it is vital for Nigeria's soul. Ukah urged the current administration to prioritize this revival, stating that education should primarily be about improvement.

Highlighting the unfortunate reality of insufficient learning among many enrolled children, Ukah stated, "The essence of education is about improvement, and it is counter-productive if children who are enrolled in schools could not read and write."

He proposed a concept labeled 'One Child, One Book, One Week,' emphasizing that national development stems from individual development and that fostering proper learning in schools should be a primary focus of the government.

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Mrs. Bukola Ladoja, Ambassador of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), echoed these sentiments, unveiling a reading campaign project named 'One Child, One Book, One Week.' She stressed the urgent need for a new orientation for children, aiming to provide a foundation for their usefulness to themselves and the nation.

Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan, Chief of Education in Nigeria for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), highlighted the learning crisis in Nigeria. She noted that three out of four pupils in Nigerian primary schools struggle with literacy and numeracy, necessitating a grassroots-level solution.

UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, outlined challenges in the education sector, including low domestic spending, limited school infrastructure and qualified teachers, high poverty levels, and social norms hindering education, especially for girls.

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Dr. Solomon Udah, Executive Director of Education Rights Initiative, called on the Federal Government to collaborate with state governments for a comprehensive overhaul of the education sector. He emphasized addressing challenges such as a shortage of qualified teachers and improving the teaching and learning environment in schools.

These stakeholders collectively emphasized the urgent need for a revitalized and effective education system to secure a brighter future for Nigeria's youth.