The Temvert Foundation has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the education sector.
The founder of the foundation, Temitayo Olatunde, made this known through a communique to Tribune Online on Thursday, while speaking on the school empowerment programme his organisation will be hosting next Tuesday in an underserved school in Lagos.
Olatunde stated that, as someone passionate about the education of young people and the empowerment of youths, he is not happy with the quality of education basic school students are receiving, especially those in rural and underserved communities.
“The current standard of education in Nigeria is low and fails to meet global benchmarks. It is alarming that in 2024, schools in the country suffer from poor infrastructure, outdated curricula, and low-quality teachers, among other issues,” he said.
He said many public schools in Nigeria lack adequate buildings, and the existing structures are often in disrepair, with leaking roofs, missing windows, and insufficient furniture. He added that it is common to see classrooms where students sit on bare floors.
Olatunde lamented that, despite these deficiencies, the Ministry of Education has not prioritised ways of addressing these challenges.
“My own experience in secondary school years ago was marred by such inadequacies ─ classrooms without windows or doors and leaking roofs that forced us to end lessons whenever it rained. Disturbingly, this situation remains unchanged, highlighting the persistent neglect of the educational system by the government,” he said.
He stressed that the government must act swiftly to build infrastructure that meets civilised standards, adding, “We cannot claim to be a civilised nation while maintaining an archaic education system.
He emphasised that all stages of education in the country require immediate attention and that one of the major ways this could be achieved is through the overhaul of the curriculum to incorporate practical skills, critical thinking, technology, and adaptability.
“However, merely introducing technology courses is insufficient ─ appropriate infrastructure, such as standard ICT facilities, libraries, and trained teachers must be provided,” he added.
Olatunde went further to suggest that effective teacher training is crucial to delivering quality education and that the most advanced curriculum and facilities will fall short without skilled, knowledgeable educators.
“Ongoing professional development should be a central component of educational reform efforts, ensuring teachers stay up-to-date on modern teaching methods and subject matters,” he said.
The Temvert Foundation boss stressed that it is the position of his foundation and in the best interest of schools and students that the government at all levels in the country must take immediate and decisive action to rectify these issues and invest in the future of Nigerian schoolchildren and youths.
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