Students in tertiary institutions across the country have hailed President Bola Tinubu’s reforms in the education sector, describing it as “bold and showing intent”. They noted that their expectations were high regarding overhauling the sector. On the flip side, they highlighted challenges in the sector and stressed the imperative of a vibrant system devoid of poor funding, strikes and poor facilities. CHRISTIANA OHIMAI(NOUN) and WONDERFUL ADEGOKE(UDUS) report.
Yesterday, the country clocked 65 years as an independent nation. It was an avenue for reflection, stock-taking and future projections. Students, who are key stakeholders in the education space believe it is not all gloom and doom. They reckoned that the President’s reforms underlined a steely resolve to reposition the sector, thus, it is a “work in progress”.
Speaking to CAMPUS LIFE, Oluwagbemileke Oduselu, a 300-Level student at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, said: “President Tinubu’s reforms are bold and show intent, but for us, what matters is seeing them work in real time with better funding, digital learning tools, and skills that match today’s job market.
“The education system has definitely had its share of ups and downs.
At 65, Nigeria has produced brilliant minds, yet many students still face poor facilities, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated learning methods.
Students want an education that prepares us for life, not just for exams.”
A 400-Level student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Oshunkeye Moyinoluwa, described Nigeria’s education system as “a work in progress”.
“At 65 tomorrow, I feel like our education system is still a work in progress because we have made some strides, but honestly the challenges are still plenty, from underfunding, to outdated curriculum, to strikes that keep setting students back.
“I would say President Tinubu’s reforms are bold and needed actually, from the student loan scheme, the push for skills over certificates, and plans to reposition our schools show he’s updated and not ignorant
“The real issue is whether these things will move from paper to reality – we’ve heard several promises before, so expectations are high,” she said.
“At the end of the day, education has to be the backbone of our growth. If these reforms are seen through, Nigeria’s young people can actually compete globally and build the future we all want and dream of,” she said.
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An ND2 Mass Communication student at Auchi Polytechnic, Zenab Oseni, described Nigeria’s education system as “a talented student juggling multiple responsibilities – resilient, yet rough around the edges!”
“Despite challenges, our students are making do with limited resources, while educators are passionate and dedicated, often going above and beyond.
“President Tinubu’s reforms have brought fresh air, focusing on data-driven decisions, skills development, and student support.
“With the right investment and love we tend to do better,” she said.
Over the years, the government has made promises such as student loans, increased funding, and better technical schools, said Ifeoluwa Adeyeye, a 300-Level Mass Communication student at Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State.
According to Ifeoluwa, more schools have been built, the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme has expanded free basic education alongside the continuous campaign against reduced girl-child education, yet, the progress hasn’t reached new heights.
Ifeoluwa said: “Millions of children, especially in Northern Nigeria, remain out of school. Most schools are overcrowded, poorly equipped, and run by underpaid teachers.”
She recalled the challenges faced in her school: “Sometimes, we stand during lectures because of inadequate infrastructure. Lecture halls are shared across departments, leading to schedule clashes and, most often, cancelled classes.”
The major change Ifeoluwa expects to see in Nigeria’s educational sector is stability.
“No more strikes, no more disrupted calendars, no more wasted years. Stability would allow students to graduate in due time, plan their lives better, and truly enjoy the value of the education they struggled for.
“Nigeria’s education system doesn’t need more promises; it needs an environment where learning thrives to help build trust between the government, lecturers, and students,” she said.
A 500-level student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Joseph Busayo, said :”On paper, the reforms sound good, especially things like curriculum review and all of that. But will every school truly benefit? Even the ones in the slums.
“I’m just choosing to be hopeful. At least I haven’t lost total confidence that education at all levels in Nigeria can still be revived.”
Raji Halimat Mopelola, a 200-Level Mass Communication student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS), said an investment in education shouldn’t be a once-in-a-while thing but a top priority to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to provide inclusive and quality education for all.
“Celebrating 65 years of independence when some universities are on strike speaks volumes. True independence is not just political; it means giving young people the freedom to learn without interruption and the opportunity to build a better future,” she said.
