Shettima pushes for education reforms, urging tech-driven solutions to tackle Nigeria's widening educational gaps. (Photo by Kola Sulaimon / AFP) (Photo by KOLA SULAIMON/AFP via Getty Images)
Abuja, (EPICSTORIAN)- Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed concerns over the Nigeria’s education system’, highlighting government’s need of a ‘comprehensive plan to address widening gaps in the educational sector.
Speaking during a meeting with the World Bank Nigeria WBG_Nigeria team at the Presidential Villa Abuja, Shettima briefly touched the issues of continued ‘decline in educational standards’ across the country, however assuring Nigerians that President Tinubu’s is committed fixing these problems.
Shettima highlighted technology’s role in bridging education gaps in Nigeria
Indirectly giving an instance of best performing educational systems in other foreign countries, and “Citing inadequate policies and poor implementation as the problem of Nigeria’s educational system, Shettima said, “In India, Kyan technology is used to teach 50,000 pupils in rural and impoverished areas”.
He emphasized the urgent need for a strategic overhaul, noting that without decisive action, the nation’s future generations risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Vice President Shettima suggested possible reforms in Nigeria’s education system
Shettima called for immediate reforms and increased investment in education by both Federal and States parastatals, including stakeholders.
“We need a comprehensive plan to address the gaps in our education system as quickly as possible. We must not allow these challenges to persist,” Shettima said.
“The federal government is committed to making the necessary changes, but we need the cooperation of all stakeholders, including state governors, to drive this transformation forward.
“In India, Kyan technology is used to teach 50,000 pupils in rural and impoverished areas. I believe technology will help us upgrade our education system significantly,” he further added.
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This concern is not new; at least various past governments have implemented educational programs to tackle these persistent challenges, though with mixed success.
One such program was the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Scheme, launched in 1999 to ensure free and compulsory education for children up to Junior Secondary School. While the initiative was ambitious, it faced issues of inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and lack of trained teachers, leading to limited progress.
Similarly, the Almajiri Education Program introduced during the Goodluck Jonathan administration aimed to integrate Islamic schooling with modern curricula, focusing on Northern Nigeria.
The Almajiri Education Program, despite its potential, struggled with sustainability and alignment with broader educational policies much as many other government projects are usually left uncompleted .
