In my research and personal observation, I’ve come to realize something many Nigerians already know but rarely talk about in depth, the educational system for the average Nigerian child is fundamentally weak. From overcrowded classrooms to outdated teaching methods, and from poorly equipped laboratories to a culture that values cramming over creativity, it’s clear that something is broken.
The Nigerian classroom, more theory, less practical
The typical Nigerian school focuses heavily on theory. Students are expected to memorize definitions, formulas, and laws,often word for word from textbooks, but that create a problem because Practical learning is what helps students understand, apply, and retain knowledge.Yet, in many Nigerian schools, science labs are empty or non-existent, students rarely handle real equipment, teachers often teach without tools practical exams are sometimes “imagined”
I remember clearly in my secondary school days, we learned how the use the computer from papers or classroom boards, this system makes it extremely difficult for the average person to understand, only those who could afford really expensive schools had the privilege of using computers for actual practical.
In todays Nigeria we have students who are “best in Physics,” reciting all the laws in the textbook, but when faced with a real world situation, they cannot apply any of that knowledge.
A mechanical engineering graduate may know every theory from first year to final year, but has never touched a real engine.
These students finish school unemployable, not because they’re not intelligent, but because they were never trained to create, build, or solve real problems.
This is why so many people say,
“School na scam.”
But is school truly a scam?
School is not a scam, the Nigerian system is.
School is supposed to develop creativity,problem solving, innovation, hands-on ability, critical thinking, but the Nigerian system rewards something else like Cramming and regurgitating.
This makes brilliant students look lost after graduation.Many graduates don’t know what to do with their certificates, joblessness continues to rise, Nigeria struggles to innovate because were taught to memorize rather than thinking. Even in Professional Fields, the Problem Shows, take Law, for example. Every year thousands graduate from law school in Nigeria, yet employment law is rarely discussed publicly and many national legal issues go unaddressed, legal solutions to societal problems are not being created
Imagine if lawyers focused on employment law alone, Nigeria’s workplace issues would drastically improve.
Yet many graduates do not practice the skills they learned because the system did not push them toward practical application.
A call to the ministry of education
I appeal to the Ministry of Education and to Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, Nigeria must urgently reform its educational system.
1. Fully equipped science and technical labs.
Students need to touch, build, break, and repair and not just memorize.
2. Practical based teaching across all subjects
From sciences to vocational studies to law and business.
3. Modern teaching facilities
Digital boards, projectors, computers, workshops, tools, and learning materials.
4. Teacher retraining programs
Teachers must be empowered to teach creatively.
5. A shift from rote learning to creative learning.
Nigeria needs creators, not just certificate holders.
And if the Minister of Education cannot do all of this, then i appeal that they should step down from their position and allow a competent Nigerian step in.
The future of Nigeria depends on the creativity of Its students
The next generation of Nigerians must be able to invent, build, innovate, create solutions, start businesses, solve real Nigerian problems
We cannot continue raising students who know 1,000 pages of theory but have never practiced anything.The students of Nigeria must be empowered to think rather than cramming.
This is not just an educational issue, it is a national development issue.
The educational system in Nigeria is very weak,they lack many things,not to talk of Education alone.
Check out the insecurity aspect,students are unable to receive lessons in the classroom.
I think there are so many tragical things to talk about..Because the Government take their children abroad to school. They forget the less privileged people,,check out the schools,no facilities for proper practicals.
Thank you for your insight. You raise valid concerns, especially around insecurity, lack of facilities, and the disconnect between leadership and public education. These are critical issues that deserve more public discussion.