Nigerian Academy of Education urges state of emergency in sector, calls for unified, effective reform

Education policies are foundational for any nation’s development, influencing sectors from health and technology to economics.

In Nigeria, however, the education system faces significant challenges that hinder its potential. To address these, the Nigerian Academy of Education (NAE) has called for a state of emergency in the sector, urging coordinated action to ensure effective policy implementation and sustainable progress.

NAE President, Prof. Kabiru Isyaku, made this appeal during the Academy’s 38th Annual Congress on November 6, 2024, held at the National Commission for Colleges of Education Conference Hall in Abuja.

This year’s congress, themed “Nigerian Education System: Past, Present, and Future,” emphasized the need for federal, state, and local governments to work in synergy to tackle persistent issues in education.

According to Prof. Isyaku, education policies are foundational to any nation’s development, impacting sectors such as health, technology, and economics. However, he noted that Nigeria’s education system faces serious challenges that threaten its potential.

Prof. Isyaku pointed out that Nigeria’s National Policy on Education has not been reviewed in over a decade. “For our education sector to truly advance, issues such as the constitutional status of education, structural reform, funding, curriculum relevance, and standards for evaluation and certification must be comprehensively addressed,” he stated.

He explained that a state of emergency would establish a clearer division of responsibilities and foster a more coordinated approach to development across all levels of government.

One of the major concerns he mentioned is the shortage of qualified teachers in schools, even as many certified educators remain unemployed.

Prof. Isyaku also urged the government to expedite the release of salaries and entitlements for education personnel, emphasizing that fair compensation would allow teachers to fully focus on their responsibilities. “The National Teacher Education Policy (NTEP) must be fully implemented to ensure teachers can work with peace of mind,” he added.

The Academy further called on the federal government to establish Boards and Councils for educational parastatals, noting that these bodies require clear governance structures to function effectively.

Prof. Sylvester Onoja, a member of the Academy, supported the call, stating that Nigeria’s education sector “is in danger” and urgently needs to be rescued. He expressed concerns over the appointment of individuals without educational expertise to key positions in the Ministry of Education.

“Education should not be politicized. We need education professionals at the helm, just as the Ministry of Health is led by health experts,” Prof. Onoja asserted.

The congress also included an investiture ceremony for 29 new Academy members and recognized the contributions of Arch Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund, and Chief Mrs. Justina Chukwu for their exemplary service to educational advancement in Nigeria.

Through these calls for reform, the Nigerian Academy of Education is advocating for a unified, well-resourced, and professionally-led education system that can empower future generations and support Nigeria’s development goals.