My years pursuing a career in Edtech in the US have unmasked how much Nigeria is lagging in fundamentals, therefore, I am compelled to address the pressing issue in our educational system. In recent times, there has been a serious concern about the future of education in Nigeria, seeing the majority of young people lavishing their time on social media at a period when there is an impending 31% literacy gap to cover according to the National Bureau of Statistics report. Leaders, educators, and shapers should bear in mind the urgency of now, and take a closer look at the importance of smart learning to building the digital economy and sustainable development in the country. In the meantime, the human capital sector has largely suffered the woes, which is why experts have argued that youth should be exploited to facilitate a policy that will ultimately propel a change needed in the educational sector. Â Nigeria with its immense potential has for many years relied on a traditional approach where students are mere recipients of information opposing the conventional or participatory teaching of learning. While the integration of participatory learning remains a major issue in Nigeria, many studies have also revealed that it had been deployed by the teachers wrongly, consequently, making the learning process obsolete.
Nigeria’s potential for greatness is hindered by the inability to harness the innovative spirit of our young people. As we may have seen across the world, our products excel in foreign nations where there are systems that foster results. One question remains unsettling as to why Nigerians could not maximize their potential in their home country.
Favoritism and nepotism; diseases that have eaten out most of our institutions could be solved by having policies that promote meritocracy where equal opportunities are given to all. I also acknowledge that the democratization of new media remains a powerful mechanism that can drive innovation and accelerate Nigeria’s image at a global level instead of the perpetual gossip and banter that has become the order of the day.
As technology advances, Nigeria must follow suit by investing hugely in education to meet the global demand in the human capital sector. Otherwise, in years to come —  we will be nurturing graduates who lack the basic literacy skills or entrepreneurial spirit to succeed or collaborative effort to sustain our educational system. Aside from the usual focus on government, concurrently, individual and private sector responsibilities in education are requisite for long-term gains. Furthering other efforts, all hands must be on the deck to see the desired change we have longed for. We need educational leaders who are experts in their field, not just honorary figureheads noting the deteriorating state of education— evident in low JAMB scores and other assessments across the tertiary level.
Together, we can revolutionize Nigeria’s education system by embracing smart learning, innovation, and critical thinking.
To achieve this revolution, we must prioritize the following:
1. Incorporate technology into education: Leverage digital tools, online resources, and smart classrooms to enhance teaching and learning.
2. Foster participatory learning: Encourage student-centered approaches, group work, and project-based learning to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
3. Promote entrepreneurship and innovation: Integrate entrepreneurship education, hackathons, and startup incubators to empower students to create innovative solutions.
4. Develop capacity-building programs: Provide teachers with training and resources to effectively integrate technology and participatory learning into their practice.
5. Encourage collaboration and mentorship: Pair students with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators to provide guidance and support.
6. Foster a culture of innovation: Celebrate student achievements, showcase innovative projects, and create a national platform for youth innovation.
7. Address infrastructure and resource gaps: Ensure equal access to quality education, digital resources, and internet connectivity for all students.
8. Revise curricula to emphasize 21st-century skills: Focus on skills like critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration to prepare students for the modern workforce.
9. Encourage interdisciplinary learning: Integrate subjects like STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to develop a holistic understanding of real-world problems.
10. Monitor progress and evaluate impact: Regularly assess the effectiveness of these initiatives and make data-driven decisions to improve the education system.
Mariam Olayinka Alamu PhD student in Curriculum and Instruction. Kent State University, Kent Ohio USA
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