In a move to reform Nigeria’s Education sector, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu has committed to collaborating with various Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and education stakeholders to create a legislative framework for transnational education. The goal of this program is to promote long-term development within Nigeria’s education sector and combat the rising trend of Japa syndrome, which describes the surge of Nigerians relocating overseas in search of improved educational and living prospects.
According to a recently released statement, Kalu detailed his vision, highlighting the importance of establishing an International Education Commission to advance learning standards and foster global partnerships. He suggested that learning could become a valuable Export for Nigeria due to the countries Nigerians currently visit for academic purposes and emphasised the opportunity for Nigeria to emerge as a central hub for global learning initiatives. The decreasing trend in money spent by Nigerians on foreign education has sparked an increased interest in cross-border education.
Expenses on foreign education have seen a significant decline.
During the first quarter of 2024, Nigerians only spent $38.17 million on foreign education, experiencing an 83 percent decline from the $218.87 million spent during the same period in the previous year, as reported by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s statistical bulletin. Nonetheless, there was a significant rise of 54 percent from the fourth quarter of 2023, where a total of $24.82 million was allocated. These numbers emphasise the inconsistent yet important support for international education, emphasising the importance of a well-thought-out plan to keep and draw educational funding in the nation.
Osobase Ehizua, Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Speaker, is taking the lead in developing a thorough plan for transnational education. This legislative proposal will boost the sector, strengthen ties with global education partners, and position education as a valuable service that adds to Nigeria’s GDP. Ehizua stressed the importance of the upcoming consultation phase in setting the foundation for the establishment of the International Education Commission in Nigeria. He highlighted that the initiative is focused on improving regional learning, devising market strategies, and guaranteeing the well-being of Nigerian students overseas.
Global collaborations will expand opportunities for Nigerian students.
The Commission is seen as a vehicle for enhancing global collaborations, expanding educational opportunities for Nigerian students, and enhancing the country’s educational facilities. The Deputy Speaker’s Office urges collaboration among government agencies, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to develop a new social contract for transnational education. The goal is to promote peace, justice, and Sustainability in the sector. Several benefits of transnational education include co-funded scholarships, improved student support services, and the presence of foreign universities in Nigeria.
This will also enhance the educational environment in the local community and is in line with international trends, such as the substantial annual benefits that countries like the United States and the United Kingdom receive from exporting education services. Globalisation is driving the adoption of a universal education system, reflecting an international shift in educational practices. Leading nations like the US, UK, and Australia have capitalised on education as a lucrative export, boosting their economies significantly.
Related Article: Local government autonomy will aid education
Moreover, Nigeria is now looking to emulate those nations’ success by improving collaborations with prominent international partners like China, Canada, as well as Australia. Establishing those partnerships is essential to meet the growing need for high-quality education and to maintain the country’s competitiveness in the global education sector. This will position Nigeria as a sought-after hub for learning and could lead to increased numbers of foreign students, elevated academic benchmarks, and the emergence of state-of-the-art
research facilities.