The issue of educational deterioration in Nigeria is a complex and multifaceted problem that has been
ongoing for several years. While there are various factors contributing to this decline, it is crucial to
acknowledge the significant role that the government plays in shaping the educational landscape of the
country. In this essay, I will argue that the government should be held accountable for the educational
deterioration in Nigeria.
First and foremost, one of the primary responsibilities of the government is to provide quality education
for its citizens. However, the Nigerian government has consistently failed to allocate sufficient resources
and funding to the education sector. According to UNESCO, Nigeria allocates only a small percentage of
its budget to education, far below the recommended benchmark of 26%. This chronic underfunding has
resulted in a lack of basic infrastructure, inadequate teaching materials, and poorly trained teachers in
many schools across the country. As a result, the quality of education has suffered, leading to a decline
in academic performance and student outcomes.
Furthermore, the government's ineffective policies and lack of long-term planning have also contributed
to the deterioration of the educational system in Nigeria. The frequent changes in educational policies
and curriculum have created confusion and instability within the system, making it difficult for teachers
and students to adapt. Additionally, the lack of accountability and transparency in the education sector
has allowed for corruption and mismanagement to thrive, further exacerbating the problems facing
schools in Nigeria.
Another critical issue that highlights the government's role in the educational deterioration in Nigeria is
the persistent problem of teacher welfare and motivation. Many teachers in the country are poorly
remunerated, leading to low morale and a high turnover rate within the profession. This has a direct
impact on the quality of education being delivered, as unmotivated and underpaid teachers are less
likely to be effective in the classroom. The government's failure to address these fundamental issues has
perpetuated the cycle of educational decline in Nigeria.
Moreover, the government's neglect of the educational sector has also contributed to the proliferation
of substandard and unaccredited educational institutions in the country. The lack of proper regulation
and oversight has allowed for the proliferation of diploma mills and unqualified teachers, further
compromising the quality of education being offered to students. This not only undermines the
credibility of the Nigerian education system but also puts the future of countless students at risk.
In conclusion, the government should be held accountable for the educational deterioration in Nigeria
due to its failure to adequately fund the education sector, implement effective policies, address teacher
welfare issues, and regulate educational institutions. The government must prioritize education as a
crucial investment in the future of the country and take proactive steps to improve the quality of
education for all Nigerian citizens. Only through sustained commitment and decisive action can the
government begin to reverse the downward trajectory of the educational system in Nigeria.
