OPINION: Nigeria’s Education System and Its Lack of Readiness for Future Job Markets

The global job market is evolving rapidly due to breakthroughs in technology like artificial intelligence, robotics, and green energy. By 2030, professions such as AI developers, renewable energy engineers, and cybersecurity experts will dominate the global workforce. Yet, Nigeria remains woefully unprepared for this future. The problem begins with its education system.

Many Nigerian schools lack even basic infrastructure like electricity, preventing students from accessing computers or the internet. Without these essential tools, aspiring young Nigerians are unable to explore careers in fields that require advanced technological literacy. Meanwhile, government officials often send their children to private institutions with modern amenities or abroad for better education. This growing disparity widens the gap between the privileged and the average Nigerian child, creating systemic inequities.

Ironically, many of these government officials once attended similarly dysfunctional schools and made promises to fix them when they assumed power. However, those promises often remain unfulfilled, leaving a broken system for the next generation. Stories from parents illustrate the harsh realities: classrooms with broken walls, no chairs, and no desks leave students demoralized and unmotivated. Such dire conditions foster a sense of neglect, perpetuating cycles of limited opportunities and socio-economic stagnation.

The psychological impact of these poor learning environments is profound. Students lose confidence, and their aspirations are dampened, making it harder for them to compete with peers from better-funded schools. This infrastructure deficit also exacerbates the gap between potential and achievement. Targeted investments in school infrastructure, resources, and teacher training could help reverse these trends, empowering students to succeed academically and contribute meaningfully to society.

Addressing these foundational issues is critical, but Nigeria faces additional challenges, including outdated curricula and a lack of qualified teachers. Many graduates struggle with basic literacy and communication skills, as Senator Rochas Okorocha recently highlighted. He warned that the systemic decay in education risks producing graduates who cannot speak English fluently, despite it being the official language of instruction. This inability undermines their ability to compete globally and hinders the country’s development.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria reveals that between 2010 and 2020, Nigerians spent over $40 billion on education and healthcare abroad. That figure exceeds the country’s foreign reserves. Redirecting even a fraction of that expenditure toward improving domestic schools and healthcare could transform these sectors. Imagine if those funds were used to provide electricity, books, or modern facilities to underserved schools. It would create a ripple effect, uplifting millions of Nigerian students.

In 2023, Nigeria allocated just 4.4% of its total government expenditure to education, and the 2024 budget increased this to only 7.9%. This is still far below UNESCO’s recommendation of 15-20% for meaningful impact. Meanwhile, defense and security received N3.25 trillion, reflecting misplaced priorities in a country where education is critical for long-term development. The lack of prioritization perpetuates systemic failures, including high dropout rates and underperformance at the tertiary level.

Global examples provide clear lessons for Nigeria. Kenya’s introduction of free primary education dramatically boosted enrollment, while Morocco’s decentralized education system ensures regional needs are addressed. China’s integration of vocational education prepares students for industry-specific roles, and Ghana’s emphasis on teacher training aligns education with job market demands. These countries illustrate that strategic investment and policy reform can yield significant improvements.

Nigeria also struggles with linguistic challenges that hinder effective learning. With over 500 native languages, interference from local tongues complicates mastering English, the official medium of instruction. For instance, Yoruba speakers may struggle with the /h/ sound, often pronouncing words like “house” as “ouse.” Similarly, Hausa speakers frequently interchange /p/ and /f/, leading to pronunciations such as “pipe” becoming “faif.” These linguistic tendencies, deeply rooted in native language structures, present significant challenges in classrooms across the country.

Late exposure to English further exacerbates these difficulties, as many children begin formal schooling after already mastering their native languages. This delay in learning makes second-language acquisition much harder, particularly in environments that lack resources and trained instructors. Tailored language instruction, updated curricula, and consistent practice opportunities are essential to overcoming these barriers. Without these interventions, many students remain at a disadvantage, unable to develop the fluency required to thrive academically or compete globally.

To address these barriers, curricula must be updated to reflect modern teaching methods, and teachers should receive adequate training in English instruction and pedagogy. Additionally, schools should foster environments that encourage consistent use of English outside the classroom. These changes could significantly enhance students’ fluency and prepare them for global opportunities.

Technology offers another powerful solution. E-learning platforms like uLesson and Tuteria have shown that digital tools can bridge educational gaps, providing access to quality learning resources even in underserved areas. However, widespread adoption requires addressing infrastructure deficits, such as unreliable electricity and internet access. Entrepreneurship education also holds promise, equipping students with skills to create businesses, reduce unemployment, and drive economic growth.

The financial strain of foreign education further underscores the need for domestic reforms. Over 100,000 Nigerian students study abroad, creating immense demand for foreign currency that weakens the naira. By building competitive schools locally, Nigeria could retain talent and reduce this economic burden. Why should Nigerian students have to leave home to access world-class education?

Countries like India and China have demonstrated that investing in education and technology can transform economies. The Future of Jobs Report predicts that by 2030, nearly 40% of today’s skills will need to be updated. Nigerian students must be equipped with critical skills like creative problem-solving, tech proficiency, and analytical thinking to remain relevant. Unfortunately, the current education system fails to prepare them for these challenges.

To reverse this trend, Nigeria must prioritize education through comprehensive policy and budgetary reforms that address systemic gaps. Every school should be equipped with electricity, reliable internet, and modern teaching tools to bridge the digital divide. Teachers need ongoing professional development programs to stay abreast of evolving teaching methodologies and technology integration. Additionally, students must have access to curricula that emphasize STEM disciplines—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—while also introducing hands-on skills like coding, robotics, and environmental science to prepare them for future job markets.

Entrepreneurship education should be embedded at all levels of schooling to foster innovation and adaptability in students. This would empower young Nigerians to create solutions to local and global challenges while reducing unemployment. For instance, introducing business incubation projects in secondary schools and partnerships with tech hubs could provide practical exposure and mentorship opportunities. These initiatives would not only equip students with relevant skills but also position Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth in the 21st century.

The government must also commit to bridging the gap between public and private education. By reallocating resources and learning from countries like Ghana, China, Morocco, and Kenya, Nigeria can rebuild its education system to be inclusive and competitive. The future of jobs is promising, but Nigeria risks being left behind unless it takes bold, intentional steps to reform its schools and equip its youth with the skills they need to succeed.

Imagine what Nigeria could achieve if every child had access to quality education and the tools needed to thrive. A well-educated generation would uplift families, transform communities, and drive industries across the country. It’s not just about fairness—it’s about ensuring Nigeria’s place in the global economy through innovation and competitiveness. Let’s start building that future today.

AUTHOR: Abidemi Adebamiwa, a geopolitical analyst

Articles published in our Graffiti section are strictly the opinion of the writers and do not represent the views of Ripples Nigeria or its editorial stand.