Rethinking Nigeria’s Educational System: A Call for Practical Learning Approach
By: Vol. Benedict Kanu
Ed. 218
Education is a major aspect of a child’s development and remains pivotal to the existence of man in society; hence, it’s germane to state that it has to be holistic to ensure a better society.
Over time, there has been a discrepancy in the best approach to follow for knowledge dissemination. Should learning take more of a theoretical approach or a practical approach? Which of these approaches produces more results? These questions, among others, have occupied the minds of scholars and educators.
The Nigerian Educational system, from time immemorial, has faced dysfunctionality, which has become a source of worry to many Nigerian educationists and non-educationists alike. This dysfunctionality is the inability of the educational system to meet the needs and challenges of the present realities due to its subscription to a theoretical approach to education.
Notably, countries like Finland are doing extraordinarily well with their educational system by adopting the educational pragmatic approach, which has yielded positive results not just in the lives of their citizens but also in the productivity of the country’s economic sector.
Pragmatism, from the Greek word “pragma” meaning “action” or “power”, is a school of thought that stresses the priority of action over doctrine or experience over fixed principles and a practical approach to problem-solving.
The educational approach of Finland (being pragmatic) has received accolades as one of the best in the world due to its unique, outstanding results. One of the key factors is that Finnish schools encourage students to engage in hands-on activities, problem-solving, and critical thinking rather than simply memorising information.
This system places a strong emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, equality, practical learning, real-world skills, and teachers’ training and professional development, which has led to exceptional outcomes for the students.
Conversely, the Nigerian Educational system needs a step up from its theoretical approach and embrace the pragmatic model.
The Nigerian Educational system has received lots of criticism due to its reliance and over-dependence on theoretical instruction with minimal emphasis on practical skills and experiential learning. All levels of educational curriculum are predominantly designed to promote memorisation, while students are taught to pass examinations rather than acquire skills applicable to real-world contexts. This model of education fails to incite critical thinking, creativity, or problem-solving abilities.
The adverse consequences of the above-stated problem are ravaging the educational sector in Nigerian society: a generation of graduates who excel theoretically but lack the technical competence and entrepreneurial mindset needed in the present Nigerian society. In summary, the over-theoretical structure of the Nigerian educational system has created a disconnection between education and the Labour Market.
In addition, the low quality of technical and vocational education reflects the bigger picture of the undervalued non-academic career path. As a result, the Nigerian educational system produces more degree holders than innovative problem-solving and skilled graduates.
From the foregoing, it is evident that the Nigerian educational system, with its deeply entrenched theoretical orientation, has failed to adequately prepare students for real-life challenges and the dynamic demands of the 21st-century global economy.
The dominance of rote learning, teacher-centred methodologies, and a lack of experiential engagement has resulted in a generation of ill-equipped graduates to function innovatively or independently in their respective fields. This systemic flaw has contributed significantly to the rising levels of youth unemployment, underemployment, and the general disillusionment with formal education in Nigeria.
Going forward, Nigeria must take deliberate steps toward reforming its educational framework. This entails a shift from the rigidity of theoretical instruction to a more dynamic and practical curriculum that equips learners with technical competence, entrepreneurial skills, and critical reasoning abilities.
If Nigeria aspires to produce future-ready citizens and foster sustainable national development, there is an urgent need to rethink and restructure its educational system. This includes revising curricula, investing in teacher training, promoting vocational and technical education, and embracing a learner-centred model that bridges the gap between the classroom and the real world.
A more practical approach to learning is not just an option; it is a necessity for Nigeria’s educational and socioeconomic advancement.
Image Credit: Pulse
Note: Multiple works were referenced for the compilation of this article.
———————————————-
Facebook: Peacepace Initiative
LinkedIn: Peacepace Initiative
X:@PeacepaceNG
Instagram: peacepace_initiative
