These days, a good number of young people fail to understand, picture and realize the gravity of being uneducated and academically ignorant. In a highly digitalized world today where humans get replaced on a daily basis as the emergence of AI rampages the universe, it is grossly appalling to see a young mind think of education as “scam” because of the rigorous efforts required to scale through academically. While some simply follow the crowd, the trend and the aesthetics because they have no foreground and identity, others genuinely have no means despite the desire to actually be educated. It is one thing to be uninterested in education due to an extreme level of illiteracy and ignorance but it’s an entirely different scope to actually want to be educated but lack the resources or assistance to be sent to school. Any which way, something has to be done for both parties. A convincing gathering, so enticing enough but with the sole aim of enlightening those who are nonchallant about education and the importance of it, maybe, just maybe some will come out of the cage of an impoverished thinking/mindset about education and be free enough to walk in it, be proud of it and stand for it. And a grant or monetary allocation for those who are in dire need of education but are unable to find themselves or better still, a skill acquisition program to train these ones on obtaining a high income skill that can get them paid to settle off their own tuition fees.
A nation filled and occupied with illiterate and undereducated individuals will definitely suffer for it. They run here and there searching for the perfect place to fit in, not knowing that no amount of glamour they find in a place can replace one’s true identity, so long as it’s not meant for them they can never fit in or belong and until their eyes are open to this reality and truth, they’ll continue to wander in the mire and while walking along with the wrong identity, the road ahead may seem promising but it’ll all turn out to be a mirage. This is applicable and evident in other aspect of life but the earlier a nation upholds education, incorporate it judiciously and acknowledges its relevance, the better and powerful it gets.
Education is a powerful tool that shapes individuals, societies, and the world at large. It equips people with knowledge, skills, values, and critical thinking needed to solve problems and contribute positively to society. Through education, people become enlightened, creative, and empowered to make informed decisions. Education also promotes social and economic development. It helps reduce poverty, unemployment, ignorance, and crime by creating opportunities for personal growth and national progress. Nations that invest in education often experience technological advancement, political stability, and improved standards of living.
Education shapes character and encourages unity, tolerance, and leadership. It teaches people how to interact peacefully and responsibly in a diverse world. In this way, education serves as a driving force for innovation, transformation, and overall national development, certainly making it a power that shapes the world.
An illiterate, even if doesn’t perform well academically in school will definitely come out better than he was before he/she entered into the school environment, mingled with intelligent minds, associated and affiliated with responsible bodies. There is something that the learning environment does to one’s mind coupled with the opportunity to be tutored intentionally. The educational systems in most countries including Nigeria are failing the citizens and it is just sad that the government fail to understand that there is a thin line between a failed educational system and a failed nation. So called leaders of the nation are not entirely educated and that is why we encounter certain things in the country.
According to recent reports on Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, Nigeria has about 18.3 million out-of-school children. Of this number:
About 12.5 million children have never attended school at all, which is roughly 68%. About 5 million children are school dropouts — roughly 27% of the total out-of-school population. Poverty and financial incapability are among the major causes of these dropouts. Research by UNICEF and UNESCO also shows that poverty, inability to pay school-related expenses, insecurity and socio-cultural factors are major reasons children either drop out or never enroll in school. And we call them the leaders of tomorrow?? How many leaders of tomorrow are we expecting to emerge from such outrageous number of poor education.
Solutions to the Problem of Poor Education in the Nation.
1. Increase Government Funding for Education
Governments should invest more in schools, libraries, laboratories, technology, and learning materials to improve the quality of education.
2. Make Education Affordable and Accessible
Free or subsidized education, scholarships, and financial aid should be provided to reduce school dropouts caused by poverty.
3. Train and Motivate Teachers
Teachers should receive proper training, better salaries, and regular professional development to improve teaching standards.
4. Improve School Infrastructure
Classrooms, furniture, electricity, water supply, and sanitation facilities should be improved to create a better learning environment
5. Promote Girl-Child and Inclusive Education
Equal educational opportunities should be given to girls, children with disabilities, and marginalized groups.
6. Use Technology in Education
Digital learning tools, internet access, and educational technologies can make learning easier and more effective.
7. Strengthen Educational Policies
Governments should create and enforce policies that ensure quality education, proper monitoring, and accountability in schools.
8. Encourage Parental and Community Involvement
Parents and communities should support children’s education through guidance, encouragement, and participation in school activities.
9. Reduce Corruption in the Education Sector
Funds meant for education should be properly managed and used for the development of schools and students.
10. Promote Moral Values and Discipline
Schools should teach discipline, leadership, creativity, and moral values alongside academics to build responsible citizens.
11. Address Insecurity and Child Labor
Governments should protect schools from violence and reduce child labor so children can attend school safely and consistently.
12. Regular Curriculum Review
School curricula should be updated regularly to meet modern societal and job-market needs.
Finally, the value education holds has been extremely underrated for quite a while now and if the government does nothing about it, we the society must rise up and do something before it completely damages the nation and eradicates the numerous hidden potentials we have in the land. This is not a call to violence but a call to action and realization. The earlier we stand up to this, the better for all of us.