The Nigerian Academy of Education (NAE) has issued a stark warning that the country’s education sector is on the brink of collapse unless immediate and comprehensive action is taken. The Academy, marking its 40th anniversary at its 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, called for the declaration of a state of emergency to prevent further stagnation and to stimulate progress in the sector.
NAE President, Professor Kabiru Isyaku, described the milestone as a moment for reflection on the significant challenges that have hindered Nigeria’s educational development. “NAE believes that Nigeria can achieve meaningful growth if the right attention, funding, and policies are applied to education,” he stated. The Academy has long been an influential body, advising the government on key education issues and contributing to reforms like the National Teacher Education Policy (NTEP) and the professionalisation of teaching.
Professor Isyaku highlighted alarming trends in Nigeria’s educational system, including the increasing number of non-professionals in classrooms. “Many schools are filled with non-teachers while thousands of qualified educators remain unemployed,” he lamented. The NAE president urged regulatory bodies to enforce standards that ensure only certified professionals teach in schools.
He also cautioned the government about the unchecked proliferation of universities, noting the importance of strengthening existing institutions before considering new ones. “The Federal Government’s moratorium on establishing new universities is a commendable step. We must focus on equipping and enhancing the capacity of our existing universities,” Isyaku added.
The National Policy on Education, which has not been reviewed for over a decade, also came under scrutiny. Isyaku stressed the need for an urgent update to reflect emerging trends such as technology integration and artificial intelligence in learning. While he commended the government’s recent introduction of an education loan scheme, he called for continued support through bursaries to attract the brightest minds into teaching.
At the event, Senator Babangida Hussaini, representing the Deputy Senate President, assured that the National Assembly would back all efforts to improve the sector, with a focus on quality education, teacher development, and innovation. Claris Ujam, Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Education, lauded the Academy for its resilience over the last four decades and highlighted key government priorities, including technology-driven education, STEM development, and tackling the out-of-school children crisis.
During the AGM, NAE inducted 38 new members, elevated six to fellowship status, and honoured several distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to education, including Senator Barau Jibrin, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, and Dr. Angela Ajala. The highlight of the event was a lecture by Emeritus Professor PAI Obanya, who reflected on NAE’s critical role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s education.
In a related development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), established to implement the country’s student loan scheme, has been a significant focus in the ongoing educational discourse. According to the CEO of NELFund, Seun Ojerinde, the government’s loan initiative has already had a massive impact, with over 700,000 beneficiaries and more than 1 million applications received since its launch in May 2024.
Ojerinde emphasized that the scheme, which provides interest-free loans for students in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, is designed to eliminate financial barriers and give every Nigerian student the opportunity to pursue higher education. “The student loan scheme has opened doors for many students who previously lacked the means to access tertiary education,” Ojerinde said, highlighting the pent-up demand for educational support in the country.
With over ₦116 billion already disbursed to students, Ojerinde pointed out that the initiative is helping to bridge the educational gap between rich and poor families, thereby addressing one of the core challenges of inequality in Nigeria’s education system.
The visit of NELFund to Otun Ekiti, where the Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, expressed strong support for the student loan scheme, marked another step in the government’s push to ensure access to quality education across the country. Oba Adeagbo praised the scheme for providing educational opportunities to future generations, asserting that such initiatives are key to national development.
The recent government efforts, including the student loan scheme, have been lauded as crucial steps toward addressing the systemic challenges that have long plagued Nigeria’s education sector. However, experts agree that these measures need to be backed by a comprehensive overhaul of the education system, including better funding, improved teaching standards, and enhanced infrastructure, to truly unlock the potential of the nation’s youth.
As Nigeria grapples with its education crisis, calls for urgent reforms and further investment in the sector continue to grow, with both government and private stakeholders being urged to take swift, impactful action to secure a brighter future for the country’s educational landscape.