By Comr. Ajibade Kehinde Daniel
Students’ Union President, Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke
Education is the bedrock of any progressive society. It is the driving force behind national development, economic growth, and global competitiveness. Yet, in Nigeria, the education sector continues to deteriorate, plagued by outdated curricula, poor infrastructure, underfunding, and a glaring lack of commitment from the government.
It is no secret that those in power have lost faith in the system they oversee. How else do we explain the fact that government officials and elites send their children abroad for education while neglecting the institutions at home? This is a clear admission that they are aware of the sector’s decline but have chosen to do nothing about it. If our educational system were truly functional, they would have no reason to seek alternatives abroad.
The reality on the ground is disheartening. Nigerian students are forced to study with obsolete syllabuses that do not align with modern industry demands. While students in developed nations are being equipped with cutting-edge knowledge in artificial intelligence, robotics, and other emerging fields, their Nigerian counterparts are stuck with outdated textbooks and inadequate learning facilities. This systemic failure has placed Nigerian graduates at a disadvantage in the global job market.
If Nigeria is serious about development, then the education sector must be given the urgent attention it deserves. There is a pressing need to overhaul the syllabus, upgrade learning facilities, invest in research and technology, and ensure that lecturers are adequately trained to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world. Education should not be treated as an afterthought but as a national priority.
However, while we hold the government accountable, students must also take responsibility for their academic journey. Education is not just about obtaining certificates; it is about acquiring relevant skills, fostering innovation, and preparing for the future. Nigerian students must remain focused, embrace intellectual growth, and equip themselves with knowledge beyond the classroom.
A nation that fails to invest in its education is a nation doomed to stagnation. The government must act now to fix the failing system before it collapses completely. It is time to stop the empty promises and take concrete steps toward real reform. Our future depends on it.
Comr. Ajibade kehinde Daniel,
students union president osun state college of technology, esa oke.
