We Were Not Told – Perspectives on Nigerian Education

That there is a huge rot in the Nigerian education system is no longer something whispered in hush tones in the comfort of one’s home; it is an open secret, an open wound the carrier is no longer ashamed of.

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While Education in Nigeria took a hard hit in 1983 under the Military dictatorship of Muhammadu Buhari and has not stopped nose diving ever since, Nigerian youths are tired of hearing stories of the ‘good old days’ when you had a job the before you completed your studies; the ‘good old days’ when education meant a means to a better life, when your patriotism and service to the country was adequately rewarded and one was proud to be a Nigerian.

Unlike what obtained in the 70’s, quality education in Nigeria has become a dream, a mirage.

Nigerian History is not being taught in schools, the curriculum is outdated by several decades and does not reflect our reality as a nation nor does it lay down a foundation for the future.

Our schools are underfunded; students live in dirty, unsafe environments while University lecturers routinely go on strike because schools are underfunded.

Below is a perspective on education in Nigeria elaborating on the plight of the average Nigerian, and the plethora of dashed dreams and the lost pride of nation by Princess Nenye Mayor who just finished her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as seen on Linda Ikeji’s Blog

We spent several years in school, from kindergarten to higher institution just to wear this uniform, but we were not told; that the uniform does not guarantee, quick employment.

Three weeks in orientation camp, with paramilitary drilling, all because of this uniform, still we were not told that the drilling is not a yard stick for quick employment.

Early morning bath in the cold, rushing to the parade ground because when you miss the first line of the anthem you will have to give proper explanation to the soldiers awaiting you with their heartless punishment; yet we were not told that the government has destroyed the Nation decades ago.

Climbing trees, jumping poles, crawling under a dangerous wire, running and matching in the sun all because the state government is on his way to visit the camping ground and there’s need to impress the nation, yet we were not told; that it’s just a waste of time.          

Sharing toilet with more than 40 corps member, risking our lives to please the nation yet we were not told; that our names are not on their list to benefit from the national Treasury.

From camp to place of primary assignment, working from Monday to Friday without being paid, yet we were not told that the sacrifices are not recorded in their book.

Finally we passed out and face the employment market, but we were not told that age is a barrier and 4years working experience would be needed.

We were not told that education is what we need not schooling.

We were not told that schooling will only produce a graduate with certificate but education will produce a product with something to produce, but our teachers lied to us that good CGPA is what the society needs.

They lied to us right from kindergarten that we must study hard to have a good result but not to have good education.

We were not told that the man who invented college didn’t go to college.

Oh we were wrongly informed through our education curriculum.

I dedicate this to all NIGERIAN students who are coming to inherit the level of lies and wrong information in our academics curriculum to please forget schooling and focus on education.

Enough of learning computer on the board

Enough of learning physics on the board

Enough of learning mechanical/electrical engineering on the board

Enough of learning agriculture on the board

Enough of schooling bring EDUCATION BACK TO OUR SCHOOLS.