Photo credit: UNICEF
By: Ifeoluwa Adeyeye
Sixty-five years after Nigeria’s independence, the question remains: has our education system truly kept pace with the nation’s democratic and economic aspirations? The reality is sobering. While progress has been made in expanding access, the sector continues to be plagued by deep structural and systemic problems.
Over the years, successive governments have pledged reforms, from student loans to increased funding, building technical schools to expanding teacher support. Some gains are visible. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme expanded free access to primary and junior secondary education. More universities, both public and private, have been established. Campaigns for girl-child education and digital learning opportunities have opened new doors.
Yet, the realities often betray the promises. Public schools across the country remain overcrowded and poorly funded. Teachers are underpaid, infrastructure is inadequate, and basic facilities are missing. According to UNICEF, about 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, one of the highest figures in the world. At the tertiary level, repeated strikes keep disrupting academic calendars, leaving students stranded and families frustrated.
These challenges are not abstract; they are lived daily. In many federal and state-owned universities, it is common for students to stand during lectures due to inadequate seating. Departments share lecture halls, leading to timetable clashes and cancelled classes. Students spend money on transportation, only to return home without attending a single lecture. This is the day-to-day reality in a country that, 65 years after independence, still struggles to provide a smooth learning environment.
The irony could not be sharper: while Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, some universities remain on strike. It feels like two worlds colliding, a country rejoicing in freedom while its students are trapped in uncertainty. True independence is not just political. It is also educational, the freedom to learn without constant interruption, and the assurance that young people can plan their lives and future with stability.
President Bola Ahamed Tinubu’s proposed reforms including improved infrastructure, functional student loans, and better access to skills development have the potential to ease these burdens. But policies must move beyond paper. Effective implementation and accountability are essential if students are to feel the benefits.
The biggest reform Nigeria’s education sector needs today is stability. No more strikes, no more disrupted calendars, no more wasted years. Stability would allow students to graduate on time, build trust between lecturers and the government, and restore confidence in the system.
At 65, Nigeria’s independence cannot be considered complete without addressing the persistent challenges in education. A nation cannot claim freedom while its young people remain trapped by an unreliable learning system. True independence means giving students the tools, time, and environment they need to thrive.
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria.
