The Nigerian Academy of Education (NAE) has called for the declaration of a state of emergency in the country’s education sector, warning that continued neglect of the system could stall national development. The call came as the Academy celebrated its 40th anniversary and held its 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja on Thursday.
President of the Academy, Professor Kabiru Isyaku, described the milestone as both a celebration and a time for sober reflection. “NAE believes that Nigeria can achieve significant development if the right attention, funding, and actions are given to education,” he said.
Founded in 1985, the Academy serves as the nation’s apex body for distinguished educationists and policy experts. Professor Isyaku noted that the NAE has consistently offered expert advice to the government and played key roles in shaping policies such as the National Teacher Education Policy (NTEP) and the professionalisation of teaching.
Expressing concern over the state of teacher quality and employment, Isyaku said, “Many schools are highly populated by non-teachers while thousands of qualified ones are jobless.” He urged education regulatory agencies to strictly enforce standards that ensure only certified professionals handle classrooms.
The NAE president also cautioned against the unchecked establishment of new universities without adequate infrastructure or personnel. “The Federal Government’s moratorium on establishing new universities is commendable. We must equip and strengthen existing ones before expanding further,” he stated.
Isyaku further emphasised the need for an urgent review of the National Policy on Education, last updated over a decade ago, to incorporate emerging issues such as technology integration and artificial intelligence. He applauded the recent introduction of the government’s education loan scheme but insisted that bursaries for student-teachers must continue to attract talented individuals to the profession.
Representing the Deputy Senate President, Senator Babangida Hussaini assured that the National Assembly would continue to support reforms that promote quality education, teacher development, and innovation. “You can count on the National Assembly to back any initiative that uplifts the sector,” he said.
Claris Ujam, Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, praised the Academy for its resilience and relevance over four decades. “It is not easy for an institution of this nature to thrive for 40 years without losing focus or integrity,” she said.
Ujam also highlighted government priorities in technology-driven education, STEM development, skills acquisition, and tackling the challenge of out-of-school children. “We must move from certificates to skills that make our youth globally relevant,” she added.
During the AGM, the NAE inducted 38 new members, elevated six to fellowship status, and honoured six distinguished Nigerians, including Senator Barau Jibrin, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, and Dr. Angela Ajala, for their contributions to education.
The event’s highlight was a lecture by Emeritus Professor PAI Obanya, one of NAE’s surviving foundation members, who reflected on the Academy’s enduring contributions to Nigeria’s educational development and its vision for the future.