Of all the literary fictions I have read none that captures the Nigerian situation as much as George Orwell’s classic, Animal Farm. In Animal Farm and much to the similarity of Nigeria after the rebellion (which could be designated as independence in the case of Nigeria), the entire farm was abuzz with hope. A hope for brighter future for the generations yet unborn; a hope of good food and less work to follow. So did our founding fathers think; but just like in Animal Farm, they were all wrong.
Soon enough, Snowball, the visionary leader of the farm, was driven away in unceremonious circumstances by the dogs, which is akin to the military coups which dethroned the civilian rulers of the first republic. Sooner than they envisaged, crises set in, just as it has in Nigeria. The animals, out of illiteracy, gave way to extreme tomfoolery and took in every element of Squealer’s deceit hook line and sinker while singing the praise of Napoleon who was the harbinger of their doom — just as illiteracy is causing many Nigerians to do.
That doomsday is certainly not here yet; but who knows, if we do not correct our illiteracy and gullibility. What will become of Nigeria farm? The elections are forthcoming and there are sure to be a lot of histrionics, but it is time to give education the chance it has long deserved.
Before we can talk about why we should consider education while voting, it is expedient that we take a damage assessment of the system. Taking each tier one by one, three quintessential examples of Nigeria’s decaying educational system shall be examined.
First, basic education: Abadina primary school is Oyo State government funded school. It is located in Abadina, a small community located in the same compound that accommodates the University of Ibadan. Abadina primary school has produced a lot of outstanding men in the past. But that is not all — in fact, if that was all — what a happy ending it would have been.
In a survey carried out in September 2013, the primary school was found to have about 419 students. These 419 students are taught in 12 classrooms, meaning that about 35 students are taught in a class. Make no mistake about this: these classrooms are rooms that have no electric fans, are only lit by a 40-watt old-fashioned bulb, have electric wires dangling around, and have their window nets yanked off as if these classrooms are inhabited by wildlife. There are no desks and to put it simply, anyone who has experienced the Midas touch of quality education will definitely weep for the future that will be borne out of this school because that school has practically been forgotten by the state government. And to think that this is where our future leaders are being groomed spells imminent doom on us.
Community Secondary school, Bolo, formally known as CSS Bolo was established in 1976. It is located in Bolo town, Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State. According to a research carried out by Stakeholder Democracy Network in 2014, the access to computer usage in CSS Bolo is limited to 8 laptop units for about 1050 students. In the school, things are so bad that as at 2013, the principal confirmed that there was only one regular teacher to serve 1050 students and that the school is characterised by complete dilapidated structures.
In this school, classrooms are embroidered with ceilings whose mouths are ajar as a result of lack of maintenance.
Sexual violence, examination malpractices and other nefarious activities are being perpetrated as a result of lack of security details, lack of teachers and lack of equipment. Even the principal’s office isn’t spared, as there is just a desk donated to the school by a philanthropist and three old white chairs. In this case, the school, which is supposed to be a breeding ground for future leaders is now a hotbed of unspeakable atrocities — pitiful indeed.
Aside from this, a fastidious tour around the campuses in Nigerian Higher Institutions will reveal students who receive lectures in lecture theatres as hot as a furnace. They receive lectures in the worst of conditions — in the sun, rain, floor, and other unimaginable places. Even the so-called “magic boards” can only perform the magic of keeping the dusters stuck to them, while the generators can generate nothing but darkness on campus.
Having assessed all three levels of education, it is also expedient to state that beyond the infrastructure decay and under equipment of our schools, our educational system is so theorised that laboratory apparatuses are imaginary in the mind of students; practical procedures are only crammed and forgotten and theory questions are set for practical courses.
From the foregoing, Nigeria’s case has been placed before us. We have a right to choose between good and evil; between development and stagnation; between a peace that surpasses all understanding and insecurity. Thus, when the die is cast and it is time for us to vote, let us remember the 10.5 million out-of-school children; let us remember the beautiful children of Abadina; let us consider our children’s future and not stomach infrastructure; let us choose prosperity above illiteracy. Yes, I admit that most politicians may not come under the umbrella of education, but it is important to remember that nobody can do the greatest amount of good to one sector; it is about who does the greatest amount of good to the greatest number of sectors.
Education no doubt opens up new vistas of hope, opportunities, and national development. If you’re in doubt, ask the Singaporeans. Fellow Nigerians, even if education is among the dregs on your priority list, please give it a hard thought.
Chidera Anushiem is a second-year student of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan.
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