The power of quality education can transform individuals and a nation as a whole.
Quality education is like the key to unlocking doors, it equips us with knowledge, skills and critical thinking, the ability to navigate life’s challenges and make informed decisions.
It is a major driver of personal and national growth leading to a better opportunities, economic stability and a more prosperous future.
Quality Education can be a game – changer for individuals, families and communities helping them to break cycles of poverty and inequality.
Our Educational system should be:
Inclusive
Education should be accessible to all regardless of background, culture ,ability or socio economic status , everyone deserves equal opportunities to learn and grow
Education quality
Education should be relevant , effective and meet global standards , this means qualified teachers, adequate resources and a curriculum that prepares students for life
Fairness and justice
Fairness and justice in education, is by addressing disparities and ensuring marginalized groups get support they needed to succeed
Life long learning
Education shouldn’t stop after school or universities, it must be continuous growth ,up skilling and adapting to an ever changing world.
This will ensure the principle of work togetherness to creat an education system that is fair , effective and empowering
We have various forms of educational system such as the;
Formal education
Formal education is a structured institutionalization learning system eg schools, universities
Informal Education
Unstructured learning through daily experience, self study or community engagement
Non- formal education
This is organized learning outside formal system eg vocational training ,Adult education
Online education
Digital learning platform such the e- learning and distance learning platforms
Special education
This is a tailored education for students with disabilities or special needs
Alternative Education
Non – traditional approaches for example through home schooling
Vocational education
This is a skilled based training for the specific industry or trades such the technical schools
Higher education
This is the post secondary education such as universities and advanced colleges
How can quality education contribute to “Empower minds, transform a nation” by the following strategic decisions such as;
Teachers capacity building
Government should provide regular workshop and training for teachers to update their skills
Infrastructure development
The need to improve schools facilities, libraries and tech resources
Curriculum review
Update curriculum to be relevant and industry focused
Student engagement
Encourage active learning, critical thinking and problem solving skills
Community involvement
Encourage parents, local traders and businesses to be involved in the educational system through support and donations towards the course of education
Monitoring and Evaluations
Regular assessment and feedback to improve performance
What are they educational challenges especially in Nigeria?
Inadequate funding
Insufficient budget allocation to education with actual funding with Nigeria spending 7% of its national budget on education below the UNESCO’s recommendations of 15-20% of annual budget for education
Infrastructure deficits
Overcrowded classrooms ,lack of Libraries, inadequate schools sanitations are some of the limitations facing the schools systems which hinders effective learning
Teachers shortages and quality
Many schools lack qualified teachers and those employed often receive poor renumeration and lack of continuous professional development
Outdated curriculum
The curriculum is often criticized for being exam – centric ,lacking focus on digital literacy, critical thinking and practical skills
Insecurity
Threat’s like terrorism and kidnappings make parents hesitant to sending their children to schools
Inequality and Accessibility
Regional disparities, poverty and cultural norms limit access to equation especially for the girls and marginalized groups
Corruption and mis management
Mis – allocation of resources and ghost workers undermine the education quality
Lack of technology integration
Limited adaption of digital tools and e- learning platform hinders access to quality education
In conclusion to achieve the slogan empower minds transform a nation relevant stakeholders has to contribute to achieve this objectives such as :-
Government Agencies
Government Agencies should be responsible for ensuring proper funding , Infrastructure development and policy making
Non Governmental organization (NGOs) should provide financial support , scholarships ,teachers training and advocate for policy changes
Private sectors contribute through corporate social responsibility initiatives, funding and expertise
International Donors
The international donors could provide funding and teachers assistance to support education development
Community leaders could mobilize local support ,promote education and engage with schools
Parent and Guardians
Support their children education, participate in school activities and ensure quality education
Teachers and education
The deliver quality education through teaching , provide guidance and contribute to curriculum development and also
Students must take ownership of their learning, participate actively and support their peers
Inadequate funding, poor infrastructures and teachers shortages needs to be given priorities towards the achievements of Empower minds, transform the nation slogan in education.
– Benjamin Ibrahim writes from Lokoja, Kogi state.
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