Education has always been a prized possession in Nigeria. From the bustling cities to quiet villages, families invest heavily in schooling, hoping their children will rise above challenges and build better futures. The respect for education runs deep in our culture. Parents push their children to excel, students burn the midnight oil, and schools keep expanding. But beneath this love for education lies a question we often ignore: What exactly are we learning?
It’s no secret that Nigerian students and parents value certificates. The quest for good grades and university degrees is intense. But are these qualifications truly preparing young Nigerians for the real world? Unfortunately, many argue that the education system focuses too much on rote learning and exams, rather than critical thinking or practical skills.
Take our universities, for example. They churn out thousands of graduates every year, yet many struggle to find jobs. Employers complain that graduates lack basic skills like problem-solving, communication, or creativity. This gap between schooling and employability is worrying. If education is meant to open doors, why do so many doors remain shut?
Another concern is the relevance of what we learn. In a fast-changing world driven by technology, how many Nigerian schools are teaching coding, digital skills, or entrepreneurship? The curriculum often feels stuck in the past, failing to equip students for today’s challenges. Meanwhile, global competitors are racing ahead, preparing their youth for new economies and green jobs.
The government has made efforts to reform education, with policies aimed at improving quality and access. Yet, problems like overcrowded classrooms, poor infrastructure, and insufficient funding persist. Many schools lack laboratories, libraries, or even basic teaching materials. These conditions do little to inspire curiosity or innovation.
It’s also worth noting that education is more than formal schooling. Life skills, morals, ethics, and social awareness matter just as much. But how often do our schools teach respect, empathy, or teamwork? Are students prepared to be good citizens, not just test-takers?
Nigerians’ love for education remains strong, and that is a powerful foundation. But we must ask ourselves: Are we learning to live well, to think deeply, and to contribute meaningfully? It’s time to shift from quantity to quality, from certificates to competence. Our future depends on it.
If Nigeria truly values education, then we must ensure it empowers the mind and spirit. That means better training for teachers, updated curricula, and a focus on skills that matter. Only then can education become the great equaliser it promises to be — not just a piece of paper, but a pathway to progress.
For references, see reports from the Nigerian Ministry of Education, World Bank studies on Nigerian education, and articles by education experts like Prof. Pat Utomi and Dr. Joe Abah.
