Educational standard and our schools
The intelligence of a person to a large extent is determined by the quality of education he or she has. That is not to say that uneducated persons are not intelligent. However, there are some situations that will need one to be educated as it were to be able to fit in.
Education itself, particularly the academic, has inadvertently added to the growth of our economy. Education is a basic human right that works to raise men and women out of poverty, level inequalities and ensure sustainable development. It is one of the most powerful tools in lifting excluded children and adults out of poverty and is a stepping stone to other fundamental human rights. It is the most sustainable investment.
The right to quality education is firmly rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international legal instruments, the majority which are the work of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the United Nations.
Quality education is the right of every person. The education system in Nigeria is one that has changed over time from the primary level, to the secondary level and the higher institution, things have changed and will continue to evolve.
However, the crux of the matter here is in proliferation of schools at all levels and the quality of students they churn out annually.
While education is meant for everyone, I do not believe that everyone should be involved in the handling of education and educational policies. When we take a look around the nation, it will interest you that you will find all shades, sizes and shapes of schools. It has become a big time business- a free comers affair.
The Nigerian education industry is one that needs to be revitalised. Government needs to take serious and drastic steps in restoring the fast fading glory of education in our country.
Growing up, there used to be so many public schools with highly trained and qualifies teachers from reputable educational institutions who knew the rudiments of teaching. The teachers were grounded in their various fields and could tutor their pupils or students properly. The standard was high, the impact was felt and the graduating pupils and students could raise their heads high because they knew and understood what they were taught and could hold their fort. Alas, the story has changed and it is still changing.
The advent of private schools has really changed the face of our educational system. Is it for good, better or best or for bad, worse or worst? That is the question.
In the past when government was very much involved in the running of public schools, there were still some private schools albeit at a lower rate. The public and private schools could compete favourably and be at par with each other. However, is that the case today?
While I am not against private schools (I went to one for my nursery and primary education), a lot needs to be done to restore the rot that is being experienced there. Many people go into establishment of private schools because it has become a money spinning machine. This is even necessitated by the fact that our public schools are no longer what they used to be. You find that structures in the name of schools are being built on every street. You can have as many as three or fours schools on a particular street or almost ten schools in one community and the rest is history. Sometimes I wonder if there is a body that regulates the establishment of these schools. If there is one, what are their functions and what are the criteria for establishment of schools?
You will find some schools in a makeshift structure, a bungalow or a building that was not initially meant for that purpose. Pupils and students are cramped in classrooms that ordinarily shouldn’t take beyond a particular number of persons. In the past, schools used to be established on a large expanse of land to give room for playgrounds where pupils/students could take some break and get involved in one form of extracurricular activity or the other. In this way, they can exhibit skills or talents inherent in them. Teachers can also help to bring out the best in them. Even when schools have sports wear and sports day, they don’t really have the space to do this.
The Reading Club, Drama Club, Jets Club, Debate Club, etc are fizzling out; that is even if they are still existent.
I think there should be a minimum standard for the establishment of a school at whatever level.
In the same vein, I think standardisation is important. From findings, even schools within a geographical area or region have different curriculum. While some schools have a minimum of twelve subjects, some have as many as 18-even some primary schools. I remember when my children were in primary school, the proprietress used to follow the curriculum provided by the Ministry of Education. At a point in time, the number of subjects were compressed into six and she followed suit. However, some schools didn’t do that. While some schools are using the British model of teaching or curriculum, others are using the American model. I don’t believe schools should be left to do whatever they like. They should be some semblance of sanity.
The issue of using teachers who lack the basic qualification for teaching should be looked into. Some private schools go into recruiting those who have just completed the secondary education or those waiting to go on the mandatory one year National Youth Service Scheme. From another angle, since some of these private schools do not pay minimum wage, the teachers are always looking for better alternatives and when the opportunity comes, they leave even if it is in the middle of the term. There is always a change in teachers. All these and many more are affecting education in our dear country.
I was heartbroken recently when Mass Communication students of a higher institution who were in my office for their mandatory Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) couldn’t read a simple notice pasted on the door. I began to wonder what the present and the future hold for us.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, should do something about this situation. A lot seriously needs to be done. Schools that do not meet the set standard should be closed down. Yes, not all parents can afford the cost of some schools, however we can have affordable schools with good standard.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has always been at loggerheads with the Federal Government over the issue of funding and standard. We seem to still be using an ancient curriculum when times are changing and evolving- something needs to be done and quickly too. I don’t know if the Mathematics of BODMAS and finding X is still relevant because I don’t think I have found X or used that equation since I left secondary school. Our curriculum should be made up of things that are relevant and also include skills that can help in life.
I think it’s high time government took education seriously. Billions are said to be spent in the educational sector annually but what is the resultant effect? Are these monies only on paper? Let’s see the money yielding results. Public schools should be made to stand the test of time by elevating their standard and restoring their lost glory. This will reduce the number of so called ‘room and parlour international’ schools that we have around.
Education is important and if you think it is expensive try ignorance. School no be scam o!
