A recent report by Kukah Centre, a research institute, has highlighted that social mobility is being hindered and inequality is growing as a result of declination of Nigeria’s educational system, which is having an impact on the capacity of the next generation to think critically, innovate, and solve issues. The report titled “Bridging the Divide: Strengthening Social Cohesion in Lagos State,” also mentions how inadequate civic Education and pervasive Corruption have contributed to Nigerian youths’ limited knowledge of Politics and government. This has increased skepticism and made people more vulnerable to manipulation by radicals, which has exacerbated social separation and political instability and increased the circulation of false information and heightened tensions.
The research, which was presented at an event in Abuja, makes the case that inadequate infrastructure, Overcrowding in classrooms, and inept teachers are compromising the quality of education, which is essential for promoting understanding and tolerance in diverse communities. It said people are now less able to comprehend and value different points of view, which makes it more difficult for them to engage and have meaningful conversations. They are also more prone to adhere to preconceived notions and preconceptions. The study was created through comprehensive documentation of the members of the Macarthur Projects Team engagements with key players both inside and outside of Lagos to initiate discussions about the significance of social cohesion and common citizenship in Nigeria.
Associated problems have far-reaching effects.
Father Atta Barkindo, the Executive Director of the Kukah Center, spoke at the occasion and stated that the project’s goal was to improve social cohesion and national unity across the board, beginning with Lagos State. He said that promoting social cohesiveness meant aiming for increased civic engagement and inclusivity, as well as removing barriers to upward mobility and economic inequities and inequality. The Kukah Center promotes inclusive policies, discourse, and community development to strengthen social cohesion and advance national integration.
Moreover, the declining state of Nigeria’s education system could have a negative impact on the future generation’s social, economic, and personal growth. This deterioration is caused by a number of causes, such as inadequate funding, out-of-date curricula, shortage of teachers, and inadequate infrastructure. These problems have far-reaching effects on both the general public and individual students. Many students lack crucial skills required in today’s industry because of antiquated teaching techniques and curricula that fail to appropriately educate them for the modern workforce.
National unity and social cohesiveness are impacted.
Low enrollment, high dropout rates, and subpar performance on standardized tests like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) are all results of this reduction in educational quality. A poor education restricts young people’s ability to break out from the cycle of Poverty and raise their social standing. National unity and social cohesiveness are also impacted by Nigeria’s education crisis. An increasing proportion of youth lack basic Literacy and numeracy abilities, which puts inequality and social marginalization at risk. Nigeria also has one of the highest rates of child absences worldwide.
As per estimate, 20 million children are out-of-school as of 2023, with a large percentage of those absent from Northern Nigeria owing to poverty, insecurity, and cultural customs. The country has a primary education net enrollment rate of roughly 68%, which is less than the sub-Saharan African average of 77%. Meanwhile, less than half of Nigerian children are enrolled in secondary education, a considerable reduction in the percentage. With an estimated 400,000 more teachers required to achieve universal primary education, Nigeria is currently suffering from a serious Teacher shortage. According to statistics, only roughly 66% of primary school teachers have the necessary training, meaning that many of them are underqualified.
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Nigeria continues to have low levels of education spending, with the federal budget’s allotment to education ranging from 5 to 7% over the last few years. This is below the minimum of 15-20% that UNESCO recommended for underdeveloped nations. The long-term development and stability of Nigeria may be negatively impacted if these problems are not resolved, as the next generation may have decreased employment opportunities, greater poverty, and restricted social mobility. The country risks producing a generation that is ill-prepared to spearhead innovation, economic expansion, and social advancement.