By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The process of transforming the education sector in Nigeria requires sustained effort, collaboration and a long-term vision.
The step to achieve such transformation could only be taken by a person with foresight.
However, an inquisitive-minded Nigerian may ask: “Do we have a person with foresight among Nigerians, especially among the political class?”
A student of history will under tand that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a leader with foresight and uncommon acumen.
Well, Nigerians might have been granted hope of betterment, especially in the education system, since the advent of democracy in 1999 but the Ministry of Education has not performed excellently as expected.
The antecedents of Tinubu, especially in the education sector as the governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007; which have been the launch pad for his successors up to the moment, have given average Nigerians hope.
During his tenure as Lagos State Governor, he was able to initiate free education in all public primary and secondary schools including payment of WAEC/NECO fees as well as all internal examination fees to ensure that indigent children do not drop out of school.
Moreover, his one-day Governor initiative through the Spelling Bee Competition, is worthy of mention.
His manifesto promises socio-economic, political and educational opportunities. There will also be an improvement in infrastructure.
Nevertheless, students will be happy if there is an increase in funding for education. This can be achieved through the allocation of a higher percentage of the national budget to education. Adequate funding is crucial for improving infrastructure, hiring qualified lecturers, providing necessary resources, and implementing educational reforms.
It is important for the new administration to develop vocational training programmes to equip students with practical skills that align with the needs of the job market. This can help reduce unemployment and empower individuals with the skills to contribute to the economy.
Strengthening partnerships by collaborating with international organisations and private sector entities to leverage their expertise, resources, and funding is also vital. Engagement with parents, communities, and leaders in education initiatives to promote a sense of ownership and involvement.
The new government should increase access to education, implement policies and programmes to ensure equal access to education for all, regardless of gender, socio-economic status, or geographical location.It should also provide scholarships, grants, and subsidies to support underprivileged students.
It should establish mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of educational policies and programmes; regularly monitor and evaluate student performance, lecturers quality, infrastructure development, and educational outcomes to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
The new government should promote research and innovation to drive innovation and identify evidence-based strategies for improving educational practices. It should also support initiatives that integrate technology into the learning process.
It needs to allocate resources to expand mental health services, reduce stigma, and promote overall well-being through policies that support work-life balance and stress management.
The new administration should also engage with youths and student organisations by listening to their concerns, and seeking their input on policy decisions. It should encourage the creation of platforms for dialogue and collaboration to ensure that the voices of young people are heard and valued.