In an interview with Sandra Nwaokolo, Anita Amiaya, a seasoned educator with over 27 years of experience, discusses the challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education system.
Currently a curriculum and instruction designer at Lafayette Adult Resources Academy (LARA) in Indiana, USA, Amiaya draws from her extensive background in both Nigeria and the U.S. to offer insights into declining educational standards.
She provides practical recommendations for revitalizing the sector, addressing issues such as funding, infrastructure, academic integrity, and brain drain, urging policymakers and educators to prioritize and transform Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
Can you share a bit about yourself, your professional journey, and your interest in education, especially higher education?
I am a dedicated and committed wife, mother, researcher and educationist. I work tirelessly to support my family and empower young minds through the gift of education. I hold a B.Sc. and a master’s in business education, a Master’s in Personnel Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, I have dedicated my adult life to teaching because I am passionate about designing curricula and instructions to meet learners’ diverse needs. 27 years ago, I started as an assistant lecturer at Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, and eventually advanced to become a Chief Lecturer at the Delta State Polytechnic (DSPZ) Ozoro (now Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro), in Delta State. At DSPZ, I held various administrative roles, including Departmental Head, Dean of the School of Business Studies, and Deputy Rector. I am a curriculum and instruction designer and instructor at Lafayette Adult Resources Academy (LARA) in Indiana, USA. My experience in Nigeria and the USA has enriched my teaching skills and expertise, giving me a rich perspective on educational practices across two massive continents.
As a seasoned educator with experience at a higher institution in Nigeria, what, in your opinion, are the reasons for the declining standard of higher education in Nigeria?
The declining standard of higher education refers to teaching and learning not meeting established criteria, leaving individual learners’ needs unmet. Reasons for Nigeria’s higher institutions declining standards include inadequate funding, insufficient infrastructure, academic corruption, insecurity, brain drain, weak leadership, issues related to COVID-19, poor research, and inadequate staff development. Recently, Nigeria’s educational and professional spheres have been ravaged by brain drain, which has reached astronomic proportions in the last three years. The government needs to get serious about funding education. Countries like Singapore prioritized education, and the whole country has become a beacon of the highest standard of education, which has immensely contributed to the country’s growth and development. Nothing stops us from replicating their efforts, and we can be sure of reaping the benefits.
What recommendations can you propose to the government at the state and federal levels to revamp higher education in Nigeria?
My first advice to the Nigerian government, at all levels, will be for them to appoint administrators with professional qualifications, experience, and skills to lead an institution effectively. An experienced administrator can ensure proper allocation of grants for research and publications, staff welfare, and efficient supervision of institutional activities, ultimately leading to successful institutional programs meeting learners’ needs and preparing them for professional life after graduation. Another area in which the government can significantly improve education is by providing a conducive working environment for educators. Educational spaces and classrooms require a well-lit, quiet, and internet-equipped space to plan, prepare, and implement their instructions effectively. Unfortunately, many educators and learners work in poorly equipped offices/classrooms with inadequate lighting, no internet access, and excessive noise, leading to distractions that hinder their ability to meet students’ needs. Sometimes, educators may even leave the country, causing a loss of valuable talent through brain drain.
In the last decade, insecurity has grown to be one of the most menacing challenges in Nigeria, and it has adversely impacted the teaching, research, and community service programs of higher education institutions in the country, especially in Northern Nigeria. Instances of insecurity in Nigerian schools include incidents of rape, theft, banditry, and the kidnapping of educators and students. This insecurity has resulted in reduced investment in higher education in Nigeria. If it is not arrested, it will invalidate the future resource gains from educated youths in the country.
Another issue the government, especially at the state and federal level, needs to resolve permanently is the impact of industrial actions on the academic calendar of Nigerian higher institutions. The government should address the labour and financial needs of teaching and non-teaching staff in higher education institutions. It is crucial to improve educators working conditions to create better learning environments for students. The constant strikes in higher education institutions have disrupted the academic calendar, impacting educators’ ability to further their knowledge. This has also affected students’ graduation timelines and National Youth Service Corps program eligibility. Also, Nigerian higher institution educators require continuous learning and upgrading of the necessary skills and knowledge to add value, cope with globalization’s demands, and meet the challenges of modern life. This is essential to ensure that they are equipped to provide quality education to students and contribute to the overall development of the education sector in Nigeria.
You have dealt a lot with the quality issues. What about the equity issues surrounding higher education, considering the socio-economic imbalance pervading the country?
Nigeria’s main barriers to equitable access to higher education are soaring tuition fees and pervasive poverty. Inadequate government funding for tertiary education and the record high inflation in Nigeria in 2022, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has made higher education almost unattainable for indigent students. This has disrupted the academic progress of students from underprivileged backgrounds, forcing some to abandon their studies. Tuition costs have surged by over 100% in many Federal and State universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, placing higher education out of reach for many Nigerians. In addition, expenses such as accommodation, meals, internet, books, laboratory materials, and other essentials are not covered by the tuition fees, further limiting access to higher education. Without intervention to address inflation and improve government support, the situation will keep deteriorating, potentially leading to a generation of uneducated youth.
As a researcher, curriculum, and digital literacy instruction designer at LARA Educational Opportunities in the United States, how does your experience within the adult education space compare with current adult education opportunities in Nigeria?
The teaching and learning experiences in Nigeria and the United States differ significantly, especially in federal and state institutions. I have observed considerable differences in our teaching strategies, support, discipline, and commitment. Nigeria’s educational system is still developing, and supporting education researchers and implementing their recommendations is essential. My over 20 years of teaching experience in Nigerian higher education has provided me with a strong foundation that has been beneficial in the U.S. educational space. My eagerness to expand my knowledge has contributed to my success in my teaching career. In the U.S., my experience as an education expert is rewarding due to the support provided, including professional development, grants, and research opportunities, with fewer bureaucratic interferences and disruptions. Research findings are highly valued and implemented to achieve program goals and cater to the learning needs of students in American universities such as Purdue University in Indiana. The primary focus remains on the learners, prioritizing their needs. This is one area where education in Nigeria still lags and can significantly improve.
What is your general advice to educators at higher institutions, government, and higher institutions of learning nationwide?
Higher education educators need a conducive work environment, sufficient financial backing, and assistance in effectively planning, designing, and executing the curriculum to meet their students’ needs. The percentage of the national budget attributed to education is appalling for any country that is serious about education. Furthermore, regular professional development programs are needed. This requires cross-pollination of ideas between the town and the gown to ensure higher institutions continue engaging in relevant educational activities that prepare graduates for the industry. Also, educators should be encouraged to pursue their passion and stay committed to teaching, learning, and research. It’s essential to remember that those who delve into academia are not primarily motivated by financial gain but are driven by their love for knowledge, intellectual pursuits, and service to humanity.
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