Schools across the country have been closed for more than 12 weeks due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is the first time in the history of education system in Nigeria that all schools across the country would be closed not because of any industrial action but health crisis.
By March 29, 2020 when the Federal government would imposed restrictions on any form of gathering in Lagos and Ogun states, and the Federal Capital Territory most schools were already gearing up for the second term examination. In fact, final year students of senior secondary schools were set to begin their external examination, while those seeking admission into tertiary institutions were already sitting for JAMB in batches.
Our education system is not isolated in this; various countries across the world had to take the same measures to contain the spread of covid-19. However in spite the closure of schools in some of these countries, learning did not stop. Some countries across the world have realised that learning is more that sitting in classes, it can be done virtually and online.
It is unfortunate that at a time Nigeria and the rest of the world battle a global pandemic, is the time the chicken came home to roost for Nigeria. The long years of neglect the sector has suffered in the hands of successive administration, the endemic corruption in the system, and the grand foster of malpractices and other sharp practices has reduced the standard and quality of education in the country.
The country produces hundreds of thousands graduates annually yet a larger part of these youth are not employable. The dearth in the system forced many parents who can afford education outside the country take that option. Today many invest heavily to train their children outside the country, including Ghana and Republic of Benin.
The closure of schools would no doubt stunt the education of millions of students across the country, yet had the government been proactive and forward thinking in the advancement of education sector, schools would be closed but learning would not have been interrupted.
Teaching and learning could be done virtually if those at the helm of affairs are not trapped in the conventional blocks of classrooms. In some other parts of the world, children are not allowed to go to school due to the fear of contacting the virus but learning continues via online classes.
IMPACT NEWS therefore challenges the governments at all level to take education as a matter of priority. There is need for pro activeness in the administration of education in the country. Government should introduce e-learning. Introducing e-learning would make learning flexible and also ensure that students are familiar with the technology and its application.
Education should move beyond getting certificate. It should be about impacting the society and solving societal challenges. We sincerely hope that the Federal Government will lead the way and show the states and local governments in this path to develop quality and qualitative education administration for a better Nigeria.
