The Educational sector

SCENIC SCENARIOS: THE WAY FORWARD (3)


Brethren, it’s so pathetic to see a man to whom reading meant so much become almost totally blind. Believe me, Nigeria is a country loaded or blessed with numerous citizens that acknowledge/cherish the efficacy of education. But, on the contrary, she looks pathetically defenseless as regards the tool (education). Off course, it’s no longer news that, about fourty percent (40%) of the country is reckoned to be illiterate. The funniest part is that, none of the children of the officialdom is schooling in Nigeria. The other day, I was privileged to overhear someone exclaiming, “ bunch of derailed homosapiens! “ I thought he was referring to me. Who knows? Honestly, the whole mythology of national greatness that occupies the minds of the entire citizenry needs to be questioned, because, it’s inconsequential.

Don’t forget, this edition is exclusively discussing the Nigerian educational sector. And, I promise not to be ponderous, because, “ a word is enough for the wise.” Like I’ve always said, as a patriotic analyst, my interest in any problem I’m discussing lies in its causes, and the remedial and drastic measures (steps) that are required to be taken. So, my sole interest in this is the causes of the on-going educational decay or crisis, and how such can be boycotted.

At the end of this critique, an exegesis wouldn’t be necessary because it shall be self-explanatory. The only thing I can’t promise you is, withholding the fact. Yes, the truth must be told (analyzed).

Education is the act or process through which a person is taught better ways of doing something or a better way of living. Going by the definition, one could figure out that, education can take place anywhere. Let me use this avenue to draw your attention to one of my previous editions that reads “ the world: an institution where everyone is a student. “ On that edition, I made it clear that education can take place anywhere; I categorically stated that anywhere can serve as a classroom, including your kitchen. In addition, let me also remind you of the remark I made mention of, in my immediate previous edition that discussed health, which came from one of my female fans. In her remarks, she said that, she sees me not just as a writer, but also, as an educator. If truly that education can only take place in an institutional classroom as many presume, then, the lady was wrong, because she had never for once seen me in any classroom. So, in a nut shell, education simply means ‘learning’, and learning could be actualized anywhere even in a moving vehicle.

Let’s go into the business of today. If the truth must be told, then, where do we start, or what do we start with? We must commence somewhere. The rapid constant decay in our educational sector is directly attributable to lack of adequate training/teaching institutes (centres), coupled with standard teaching materials, high rate of depreciation of reading habit amongst the students and the entire citizenry, and corruption. Yes, in our various schools/institutions, the human resources are already there; we’ve efficient, effective and sufficient staff.

Our only problems are inadequate/insufficient infrastructure and teaching equipment. Well equipped laboratories, libraries, workshops and class/lecture rooms should be provided in our various citadel of learning. The primary and secondary schools should not be left out because the educational background of any nation lies in that area. The private institutions should also be mandated to follow suit. Any training/teaching centre(s) is/are expected to be practical oriented, irrespective of its field/line of interest. In addition, our technical colleges ought to be revived. A graduate of any school, regardless of level of the citadel, is meant to boast of a particular talent (skill). The profundity is already obtainable; the hindrance remains the required materials and environment.

Also, the teachers/lecturers should be catered for. Their welfare should remain the government’s priority. Their individual salaries ought to be regularly increased/considered, coupled with their respective promotions. And, other juicy incentives should not be left out. These will definitely help to completely eradicate the high level of corruption in the sector such as sorting, hiring of ‘machineries’ or assistants during exams, and other forms of examination malpractices, as the case may be. Furthermore, the respective offices of the teachers/lecturers deserve to be well furnished and equipped. Let’s begin with the teachers, because, the future and greatness of any society lie in their hands.

In the aspect of the reading habit, all hands are expected to be on deck. Such habit begins from childhood. And, this is where the parents come in. The parents should continually motivate, and as well, mandate their children to read by drawing them closer to text books, novels, newspapers/magazines, and what have you. They should also ensure that the children cultivate the habit of listening to news on radio/television. Above all, they should ensure that, the children in question are always ebullient to enable them participate effectively in the above practices. This is where health comes in. Their ebullience would make them enthusiastic, outgoing and spontaneous.

Brethren, I wish to end my critique with a short story that has to do with the above apathy; lack of reading habit. One fateful day, a certain young man who happened to be present at one of the general meetings of a newly introduced communal organization, which I happen to be the founder/leader, greatly amused me. During the A.O.B section, he stood up to earn his view, and as well, give his remark. After commending the officers, he asked us to put more effort on information dissemination in regard to subsequent meetings; stating that, if not the invitation he received from a friend of his, who happens to be one of us, he wouldn’t had known, or be informed about the meeting. After his lovely comments, the Secretary General raised his eyes and looked, briefly and curiously, at him. Though, it wasn’t pronounced. I tried to find out from the President General (PG), who was presiding over the meeting and as well sitting next to me, the reason for the sudden gesture exhibited by the Sec. Gen. Based on the information I got from the PG, I learnt the notice for the on-going meeting was pasted at the door-step of that very young man. And, the notice lasted for six good days before the meeting took place. Maybe, he took the notice for granted, and never cared to glanced at even a bit of its content. Probably, not even a perusal. Thus, he ignored the notice with impunity. Lack of reading habit in the highest order. So pathetic and disgusting indeed! To be frank; the young man’s eccentric nature denied him his desired respect at the executive desk. Honestly, you needed to see how I was engulfed in a fathomless moment of hatred towards him; though, hidden and brief. In fact, I was totally appalled. Believe me, all the resultant gestures were happening unknowingly to him. But, even if they were pronounced, he deserved it, because he seemed the apotheosis of total ignorance and extreme insouciance.

Please, Nigeria should implement a drastic approach to ensure that, her educational sector that is fast deteriorating and becoming malodorous is totally revived, because, her anticipated greatness lies solely in the area. Don’t forget, the parents are not left out.

I beg to take my usual seven days leave. See you next week on refineries!



FRED NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist

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