As Nigeria celebrates 64 years of independence, a lecturer of Public Administration at the Gombe State University, Dr. Umar Adamu, has called on the government at all levels to increase investment in education to drive national development.
In an interview with Voice of Nigeria, Dr. Adamu acknowledged the infrastructural progress made over the years, particularly the expansion of government agencies, but stressed the need for more effort to improve the education sector, which has suffered significant setbacks.
Dr. Adamu attributed the decline in the educational standards to several factors, including the scrapping of teachers’ colleges, which were crucial for training teachers from secondary school.
He also highlighted the lack of infrastructure in government schools, noting that only a few new buildings have been added to the already overstretched schools, which struggle to accommodate the growing number of students.
Overcrowding and the Need for New Schools
Dr. Adamu pointed out that many government schools were overcrowded, with some classrooms hosting up to 300 students. This, he says, makes it difficult for teachers to manage and provide individual attention to students.
To address this, he advocated for the construction of more government schools to provide better learning environments, while emphasizing the need for sufficient learning materials and the recruitment and retraining of more teachers to ensure the delivery of quality education.
While commending the increase in the number of public universities across the country, Dr. Adamu noted that much more was required to improve the quality of higher education.
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Teacher Welfare and Remuneration
Dr. Adamu also criticized the inadequate welfare packages for teachers, comparing them unfavourably to other sectors.
He highlighted the disparity between the salaries of refinery workers, many of whom have not contributed to refining petroleum for over two decades, and the meagre earnings of teachers, particularly at the primary school level.
Dr. Adamu urged the government to prioritise teacher welfare, noting that teachers play a vital role in nation-building.
“As early as 6:30 to 7:00 a.m., you see teachers arriving to ensure students are ready for the day. Yet, their remuneration does not reflect their efforts,” Dr. Adamu remarked.
Impact of Insecurity
Dr. Adamu further linked the challenges in the education sector to the widespread insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, where it has severely disrupted farming and other economic activities.
He called on the government and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to restore peace, which he said was essential for the smooth functioning of all sectors, including education.
As Nigeria marks 64 years of independence, Dr. Adamu’s message is clear: to secure the nation’s future, there must be a renewed focus on education, with more investment, improved teacher welfare, and a commitment to addressing the underlying issues affecting the sector.
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