Education policymakers have been urged to modernize the country’s curriculum by incorporating a global education system to better prepare Nigerian graduates for the demands of an increasingly interconnected and competitive global workforce.
This call comes in the wake of observations that Nigerian graduates are often ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern, globalized labor market, particularly in the fields of technology, business, and innovation.
Damilola Atanda, who recently attended the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, made the case for a more globally oriented education system. Atanda, who currently works with the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS/AMS), argued that in today’s world, knowledge, technology, and human capital cross borders with ease, and Nigeria cannot afford to educate its youth in isolation from this dynamic landscape.
“Primary schools should introduce students to world cultures, global citizenship, and digital collaborations that connect them with peers in other nations,” she stated. “Secondary schools should incorporate foreign languages, international case studies, and virtual exchanges that promote real-time cultural dialogue. Universities must partner with international institutions, promote student and faculty exchange programs, organize alternative break trips abroad, and integrate global leadership and intercultural competence into their curricula.”
Atanda stressed that education today is not just about reading, writing, or solving mathematical equations. Rather, she described it as a “passport to global competitiveness, leadership, innovation, and societal progress.” She further emphasized that global education goes beyond simply adding international content to textbooks; it requires cultivating perspectives that prepare students for leadership in a diverse, interconnected world.
“Why must a Nigerian child wait until they are privileged enough to study abroad before learning how to engage with diverse cultures, global issues, and international opportunities?” Atanda asked. “Imagine a young girl in Lagos collaborating on a virtual science project with peers in Japan or Germany. Or a student in Abuja learning about conflict resolution through case studies on global diplomacy. These are not distant dreams; they are happening in countries that have embraced global education as an essential part of learning.”
Atanda also pointed to the example of nations like India, China, and South Korea, which have recognized that integrating global education into their curricula is a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and technological advancement. She emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in this critical area.
“Without this kind of global education, we risk raising a generation disconnected from the realities of a globalized economy and society,” she said. “A globally competent graduate will be better positioned to attract opportunities, create solutions that transcend national boundaries, and contribute meaningfully to both the national and global economy.”
Atanda’s comments are part of an ongoing conversation about the future of Nigeria’s educational system. Experts argue that now is the time for the country to act decisively, if it is to address issues like unemployment, innovation gaps, and enhance its role on the world stage.
“If Nigeria is serious about addressing unemployment, bridging innovation gaps, and strengthening its role on the global stage, the time to act is now,” Atanda concluded.
With globalization reshaping industries and economies, there is growing recognition that Nigerian education must evolve to ensure that future generations are equipped to compete on the world stage. The question remains: will policymakers heed this call for change?