Ezekwesili, others to speak on Nigeria's education system

Education is a veritable tool necessary to equip individuals with skills required to navigate the complexities of an ever changing world. Without doubt, education is fundamental to human existence and provides both youth and adults the power to reflect and make choices that affect and invariably uplift their standards of living. It is a key ingredient in economic and social activity and therefore vital for effecting national development. Sadly, third world countries continue to perform below global educational ratings with Nigeria being no exception.

Some of the major challenges facing the educational sector in Nigeria are access, equity, value, relevance, quality, management and funding. A vibrant economy cannot be built on lack of access to education and low attendance at schools. According to UNESCO, it was estimated that over eight million Nigerian children were out of school in 2014 – the highest in the world. Transition and completion rates are poor, with 32% transiting from primary to secondary school and only 10% of eligible youths in tertiary education. The average completion rate for the primary school Nigerian girl is 65% and 80% for boys. These appalling statistics can simply be described as “poor education for poor people.”

The ever declining state of the Nigerian educational sector calls for serious concern. It is on this premise that Gamaliel & Susan Onosode Foundation has been at the forefront of promoting viable options for Nigeria’s education system and has organized series of lectures since inception. These lectures are designed to periodically x-ray the varying topical issues facing stakeholders – students, teachers, parents, partners, sponsors, etc. – and to interact, understand and discover the prospects and challenges for growth and development in the sector.

The 2016 Lecture is themed, “Finding Solutions to the Problems of the Nigerian Education System: A Multi-stakeholder Approach” and the keynote address will be delivered by Oby Ezekwesili, CFR, former Minister of Education and Co-Founder, Transparency International, alongside other discussants relevant to the sector. The Lecture aims to influence policy formulation and to contribute to strategic thinking on critical issues surrounding education in the country.

The Lecture is scheduled to hold on Thursday, September 22 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Victoria Island, Lagos at 11:00 a.m.

Gamaliel & Susan Onosode Foundation is a not-for-profit, non-political organisation incorporated in May 2013 and committed to contributing consistently to the promotion of quality education in Nigeria. It was founded by late Gamaliel Onosode. Its mission is to foster the success of the Nigerian child through innovative and flexible learning opportunities while providing the enabling environment. We will not relent until there is positive change.