Nigeria marks over 170 years of educational services and development;
Gross school enrolment rate in Nigeria is 68.3% for elementary school and 42% for secondary school;
A corollary effect saw 30% of Nigerian children out of school- highest globally;
Although 62% of Nigerian adults are literate, a closer look revealed an urban-rural divide, the former accounting for 68% and the latter, 45.25%;
Inadequate funding remains one of the banes of the education sector, funding which gradually declined since 2018.
Though the road is long, the destination may be in sight for the self-acclaimed African Giant, when referring to education. But as the world marked the International Day for Education, Dataphyte peers through that tunnel gazing at Nigeria’s educational outlook.
Before what is now referred to as Western education, Nigeria operated two major types of education. First was the Islamic education, primarily in the North and strictly religious. The second was a more indigenous system- tutoring citizens with practical skills that enabled them to function in society. This system also saw them segmented into age-groups.
But following the entrance of Christian Missionaries in the mid 19th century, Nigeria adopted this system. A system which was readily championed by southerners. It is thus no surprise many refer to the southerners as pioneers of education. In contrast, education scarcely thrives in Northern Nigeria. A sentiment fueled by insecurity and poverty rates.
Post elementary education on the decline
Concerning enrolment rates, estimates differ across regions. First, elementary education has the highest enrolment rate in the country, 68.3%. Of this estimate, North-Western Nigeria has the highest enrollment rate, 70.1%. But when conducting a state by state comparison, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) tops the charts. Conversely, Zamfara has the lowest enrollment rates.
The story changes when you climb the education ladder with a nationwide secondary school enrollment of 42%.
Nigeria wears the crown for out of school children
It is thus, no surprise Nigeria wears the crown for the out of school children. A feat it achieved pushing the boundaries from 10.5 million to 13.2 million children. In fact, it is now commonplace to see children playing and roaming the streets during school hours. Even worse, while a majority of these kids are out of school, the rest never attended. Northern Nigeria contributes to most of these estimates.
Urban-rural literacy divide
Another corollary consequence from the preceding is the adult literacy level in the country, which interestingly saw gains in over a decade; from 51.08% in 2008 to 62.02% in 2018. But while an above-average estimate appears laudable, a closer look reveals disparity across regions, specifically the rural-urban divide. Rural Nigeria has a literacy level of 45.25% against 68.1% of the urban population.
Meeting the demand for development
It is no overstatement to say the education sector carries the economy. After all, the productive activities that drive an increase in a country’s revenue come from educated citizens; be it formal or informal education. To be fair, though, the education sector has evolved since its introduction in the 1840s. But not nearly enough to overturn the tides of literacy, unemployment or poverty.
At the heart of this challenge, however, lies a funding problem. We already established the importance of this sector. So, why then has Nigeria’s budgetary allocation to this sector been four to ten percent in recent years, violating UNESCO’s stipulation of 15-20%. What is more? Nigeria ranks the lowest expenditure on education among E9 and D8 countries.
Beyond getting her finances in order, the education sector must get with the times. To stay afloat, Nigeria must employ current educational initiatives; these include e-learning and revising curriculums. Also vital is bridging the educational divide across rural and urban Nigeria.