UK Mayor Advocates Strategies to Revamp Nigeria’s Education System

Abigail Katung, Lord Mayor of Leeds City, United Kingdom, has proposed a comprehensive approach to address the declining quality of education in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 22nd Convocation Lecture of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, on Tuesday, Ms. Katung highlighted systemic challenges such as inadequate funding and outdated curricula as key obstacles.

In her lecture titled “Education for National Impact,” the Nigerian-British politician recommended adhering to UNESCO’s budgetary guidelines, promoting transparency, and ensuring efficient resource allocation to improve education standards.

“Nigeria, with a youthful population, needs education to lift individuals out of poverty and empower marginalised communities. Access should not be limited by gender, class, or geography,” she stated.

She urged a curriculum overhaul to prioritise Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition. She also advocated for e-learning integration, investment in tertiary education, and research tailored to national needs.

Collaborations between the public and private sectors, as well as engagement with traditional and religious leaders, were recommended to enhance education delivery.

Addressing the graduating students, Ms. Katung emphasised the importance of using education as a tool for societal transformation and encouraged them to embrace failure as a learning opportunity.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, revealed that 856 students graduated during the 2023/2024 academic session, including 45 first-class degree holders and 138 postgraduates. He urged the graduands to apply their knowledge to create a better world reflective of the university’s values.