Nigeria’s education system is facing a serious crisis, and the warning signs are flashing red! According to human resource and change management consultant Yomi Fawehinmi, the country is now in a situation where the least qualified students are being groomed to teach the nation’s children. This alarming trend, he warns, is a dangerous path that could cripple the future of Nigeria. This article dives deep into why this is happening, what it means for our kids, and what needs to change.
The Shocking Reality: Mediocrity Over Excellence
It’s a sad day for Nigeria when World Teachers’ Day celebrations mask a deeper, more sinister problem within our education sector. While some states are making efforts to appreciate teachers with gifts and grants, the core issues plaguing the profession remain unresolved. Fawehinmi highlights a global phenomenon where teaching, often dominated by women, is systematically undervalued and underpaid compared to other professions requiring similar qualifications. He pointed out that in Nigeria, you’d rarely hear parents wishing for their child to become a teacher, unlike the common aspirations of becoming a lawyer or doctor. This societal bias is deeply ingrained and needs a serious shake-up.
When Teachers Become an Afterthought
Fawehinmi argues that the remuneration for teachers has been stagnant, with earnings often dipping around 25% less than colleagues in other fields, even in countries like America. This isn’t just a matter of low pay; it’s a reflection of a societal mindset that doesn’t place enough value on the critical role teachers play. He vividly illustrates this by saying, “Nobody says he will become a teacher.” This cultural oversight directly impacts the quality of education received by our young ones, leading to what he describes as a pervasive problem of poor comprehension skills visible even in everyday social media interactions.
The Finland and South Korea Model: A Dream for Nigeria?
Imagine a Nigeria where the brightest minds aspire to be teachers! Fawehinmi points to countries like South Korea and Finland, where top students actively seek admission into teacher training colleges. In these nations, teaching is a prestigious career, attracting the nation’s best and brightest to shape the next generation. The contrast with Nigeria is stark. Fawehinmi shared a disturbing anecdote about a former minister who allegedly set the lowest university admission cut-off mark for aspiring teachers. This policy effectively positions teaching as a last resort for students who struggle to gain admission into other sought-after courses like law or engineering. It’s a system that seems to be designed to ensure that the weakest students end up educating the nation’s children.
The Private School Conundrum: More Money, Less Sense?
Parents often equate high tuition fees with superior education. However, Fawehinmi challenges this notion, arguing that expensive private schools are not always synonymous with better learning outcomes. He questioned whether the exorbitant fees translate into a 15 million Naira interaction for a child whose parents paid that amount, compared to a child who paid 100,000 Naira. While diction might differ, the core logic and comprehension skills might not see a significant improvement. He criticizes schools for focusing on superficial amenities like zoos or fish ponds, which have little to no bearing on actual educational substance. Drawing from his experience since 1995, he humorously noted the disconnect of teaching integrated science next to an aquarium without a clear pedagogical link.
Sports Levy? Where Are the Champions?
The lavish spending on sports programs in many private schools also came under scrutiny. Fawehinmi posed a critical question: why are schools collecting hundreds of thousands for sports levies when they haven’t produced any athletes who have represented Nigeria in major sports over the last 15 years? He emphasizes that educational efficiency should be measured by tangible learning outcomes, not by the grandeur of infrastructure or the size of sports levies. Parents need to be more discerning about their choices, aligning school selection with their child’s unique talents and potential, rather than blindly following trends.
Redefining Education: Beyond the School Walls
The crisis, Fawehinmi believes, starts with a fundamental misunderstanding of what education truly is. He asserts that many policymakers, including commissioners and ministers of education, mistakenly equate education solely with schooling. Education, he stresses, is a much broader concept that happens both inside and outside the classroom. He cites Sweden as an example, where the Ministry of Education also encompasses culture, recognizing that education is intrinsically linked to cultural propagation. He used music as an example, explaining how musicians have profoundly impacted social learning, introducing new vocabulary and concepts that formal education might miss. The current system, he concludes, produces individuals who can read but not reason, a direct consequence of undervaluing teachers and the teaching profession.
The Path Forward: Dignity for Teachers, Brilliance in the Classroom
For Nigeria to truly develop, a radical shift is needed. The nation must restore dignity and respect to teachers, making the profession attractive enough to draw the brightest minds. Redefining education as a lifelong, culture-driven process is paramount. Fawehinmi’s powerful closing statement rings true: “Education is not just about schooling; it’s about the total shaping of human thought and value. Until we treat teachers and education with dignity, Nigeria will continue to produce citizens who can read but cannot reason.” This is a call to action for parents, policymakers, and society as a whole to fundamentally rethink our approach to education, for the sake of Nigeria’s future.