Education
Education Sector and Nigeria’s Revolving Underdevelopment Doors
By Jerome-Mario Chijioke Utomi
One recent occurrence that typifies the nation’s education sector as an area in urgent need of help is the current shoddy state of Ologbo Primary and Secondary Schools, Ologbo, Obarentin community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, formerly called Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria Primary and Secondary School, Ologbo.
In addition to signalling the gory tale of poor leadership, neglect and outright abandonment of responsibility by the Edo State government, the pictures and accompanying commentaries diverted attention from real threat deserving of healthy and appropriate fear, the federal government’s protracted inability to resolve their impasse with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). It is more than anything else the ugly awareness at the school sowed confusion that portrays the Edo state as a state where leadership has drained people’s will and is now left with weakened rational character.
Expectedly also, many have risen in staunch defence of the Governor; saying that blame in the present circumstance may not be the smart thing to do; for when the verdict is passed on someone, it blocks the possibility of knowing who the person is and definitely creates biases, sentiments, prejudice, and also makes the mind become impervious and closed towards either seeing the good sides of the person or the bad sides of the person.
To others, the Governor should in the interim be excused because when it comes to making decisions or pursuing purposeful initiatives, leaders naturally fall victim to the trap of unexpected limitations such as inadequate funds among others.
To the rest, achieving sustainable development in a sector such as education is a systemic thing that takes time. Therefore, the Governor needs to be allowed more time to perform before subjecting his performance to critical scrutiny.
Whatever the true position may be, the truth is this piece’s latest condemnation of Governor Obaseki’s poor leadership habit is both natural, neutral and perceptual.
The reason is simple. Experience via observation has shown that in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region, leaders are never mentally prepared for the task of leadership. They seem to forget that the more preparation, planning and activation of the execution process they make, the better they perform in the task of leadership.
Supporting the above assertion is the awareness that when one spends time thinking about how we approach leadership in Nigeria and asks important questions about how leaders in Nigeria set their priorities, time and funds, it becomes easy to situate the fact that the hallmark of poor performance in Nigeria is not Obaseki specific.
Take, as an illustration, a while ago, in a particular intervention, this author highlighted pictures of a similar shoddy state and wicked neglect of Oyoko Primary School, Abavo, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta state.
Like the Ologbo Primary and secondary schools situation, the referenced piece underlined disturbing pictures which showed visibly distressed structures with fallen ceilings, windows and doors. The piece concluded by concluding that from the pictures and accompanying commentaries, it cannot be characterized as an overstatement to describe such a ‘scene’ as deplorable, dehumanizing, troubling, in bad light bracingly in contravention of the international best standards and most importantly, a reality that all well-meaning Deltans including our dear Governor should worry about.
Broadly speaking, there are so many reasons why this author is particularly interested in bringing to the fore these poor courses of action/ inaction chosen ahead of logic by the public authority to address the nation’s education sector; their definition of the problem, the goals to be achieved, or the means chose to address the problems and to achieve the goals.
By analysing each of these elements, in turn, it becomes easy to understand the essential ingredients that made great nations what they are today, as well as answer questions as to why others, such as Nigeria, are unsuccessful.
To explain this point, it is believed that policies, plans and strategies are fundamental to the progress and development of countries, yet, right from independence, the problem with education in the country very much lies with underfunding, payment of lip service to, and inconsistency in policies driven by several panels set up by the government to recommend measures to enhance the quality of education in the country. This problem is not so much with the recommendations of the various panels but their poor implementation by those entrusted to do so.
If not bad policy and poor implementation, how do we explain governments’ inability to heed the United Nations Educational Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) budgetary recommendation on education? What other expression shall we say of a country’s education where researches are not adequately funded and yet, the President allowed hundreds of millions to go into replacing his plates and cutlery yearly? And what shall we expect from an educational ministry headed by someone who is not an educationist? This may however not be the only explanation.
As to what should be done, we must recognize two realities.
First and very fundamental, that is like in a business where no organization can grow consistently faster than its ability to get enough of the right people to implement such growth. likewise, we must admit that with the education sector’s present state, it will be difficult if not impossible to develop disruptive or constructive concepts that can shatter set patterns of thinking and provide solutions to the nagging challenges in the country until policymakers consider education as the bedrock of development; that with sound educational institutions, a country is as good as made -as the institutions will turn out all rounded manpower to continue with the development of a hyper-modern society driven by well thought out ideas, policies, programmes and projects. But such a tendency is clearly different here.
Secondly, policymakers must admit the fact that our children enjoy the right to education as recognized by a number of international conventions, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which recognizes a compulsory primary education for all, an obligation to develop secondary education accessible to all, as well as the progressive introduction of free higher education/obligation to develop equitable access to higher education.
The nation must stop playing ‘casino’ with funding of the sector, and in its place, come to the realization that it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our schools work and our children are properly educated at the right time and place.
As to closing the nation’s revolving underdevelopment door, there is an urgent need to rework the university system to meet the manpower demand by the industrial sector as a strategic consequence of this failure has made Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions in the country continue to turn out, every year several thousands of graduates that the industry does not need. This is made worse by the fact that there is a nation where uncalculated importance is attached to the possession of university degrees as against the possession of skills necessary for self-reliance and national development.
Utomi Jerome-Mario is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Public Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), a Lagos-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). He can be reached via [email protected]/08032725374
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the fresh bids by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria to stop the implementation of N2.5 billion judgment debt against the school and in favour of the 110 workers of the University unlawfully sacked in 1996.
In two separate unanimous judgements by a three-member panel of justices, the appellate court ordered the CBN to immediately release N2.5 billion to the former workers of the higher institution of learning without further delay.
In the lead judgments delivered by Justice Okon Abang, the appellate court threatened to impose heavy sanctions on the prime movers of CBN should the apex bank further refuse to release the money kept in its custody since 2018 by ABU, for onward payment to the aggrieved workers.
Justice Abang dismissed the CBN’s claim that the 110 workers unlawfully sacked by ABU in 1996 but ordered reinstated by the National Industrial Court in Abuja, cannot use garnishee proceedings against it to collect the money.
The claims of the apex bank that consent of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) must first be obtained by the workers before payments can be effected were also dismissed by the Court of Appeal.
The CBN and ABU had, in separate appeals, challenged the implementation of the judgment of the Industrial Court, which ordered ABU to pay the entitlement of the 110 workers, having found that they were unlawfully laid off by the Sole Administrator of the University, General Mamman Kontagora, in 1996.
The two appellants also faulted the use of garnishee proceedings against them by the workers to effect payments.
The two appeals were dismissed for being unmeritorious.
Justice Rakiya Haastrup of the Industrial Court had on January 27, 2022, issued a “garnishee order absolute,” directing the CBN to pay the judgment sum to the workers from ABU’s funds.
Justice Abang held that the workers were right in filing garnishee proceedings against CBN to enforce payments of their entitlement as required by law.
The Court of Appeal admonished the apex bank for wasting public funds to engage lawyers to file a suit to frustrate the payments of the entitlement to the aggrieved workers.
According to the appellate court, the conduct of the CBN in opposing payments of the money was reckless and reprehensible to the workers since the ABU had deposited the money with it for the settlement of the judgment debt.
“In this matter, it is not the duty of the CBN to play the role of the advocate but to implement the court judgment that awarded the money to the workers in the absence of any contrary court order.
“It is also unethical for the lawyer to the CBN to have supported the bank in frustrating the judgment of the Industrial Court. The unfortunate action of the CBN had prolonged the sufferings and hardships of the workers.
“The lawyer ought to have advised the CBN not to play the role of the advocate, no matter how juicy the CBN brief. The action of CBN is cowardice. It took the matter personal against the workers who have been suffering since 2013.
“There is no lawful reason for the CBN to have filed this appeal against the judgment of the Industrial Court since the workers made no claims against the bank.
“The lawyer owes a duty to the court, to the country, and to the 110 workers to see that they are not unjustly punished or denied the fruits of their court victory. He ought to have withdrawn his services if CBN went against his advice. They ended up wasting the valuable judicial time of this Court.
“How can CBN be asking that the order of the court not made against it be vacated when it has been holding the workers’ money since 2018? The situation must not continue. There must be an end to it. The workers deserve the fruit of their labour,” he said.
The Court of Appeal awarded N5 million against CBN and another N5 million against ABU to be paid to the workers as costs of litigation in addition to the N2.5 billion.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The British High Commission has celebrated 99 Nigerians who have recently completed their studies in the United Kingdom through the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships, pursuing a wide range of master’s degree, PhD, and fellowship programmes.
In Abuja and Lagos, the commission held Welcome Home ceremonies for the 30 Chevening scholars who have completed their studies, as well as the 69 beneficiaries who make up the Commonwealth scholars and fellows.
Chevening Scholarships are the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), partner organisations, and partner universities, while Commonwealth Scholarships are managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK.
At both events, the scholars and fellows shared their academic journeys and experiences, and their preparedness to use the skills and knowledge developed during their studies to contribute to Nigeria’s development. Additionally, they were celebrated for their exceptional academic achievements, received their completion certificates, and were officially inducted into the Chevening and Commonwealth alumni community in Nigeria.
Speaking at the reception, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs Gill Lever (OBE), said, “We take great pride in welcoming back our Commonwealth and Chevening Scholars. Congratulations to every one of them for completing their studies, many with distinctions. I’m so happy that talented Nigerians have had the opportunity to study in the UK, returning with additional knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in their home country. I encourage them to aim for excellence in their future endeavours. I know they will be great ambassadors for the UK in Nigeria and make the most of the networking and knowledge sharing that being a Commonwealth or Chevening scholar presents. Keep in touch, everyone!”
British Council was represented at the welcome event by Mr Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programmes, British Council Nigeria. During his remarks, Chikodi congratulated the scholars for completing their master’s and PhD programmes in the UK.
He urged the scholars to be good Ambassadors of their institutions in Nigeria and urged them to apply the knowledge, skills and network that they have acquired in the UK to address challenges facing Nigeria in various sectors while maintaining ties with their UK institutions.
A Chevening Scholar, Nankur Pontip Ramdur, who studied Terrorism, International Crime and Global Security at Coventry University, UK, said, “I understand that peace and security are at the heart of every nation’s development and success; hence, I look forward to contributing to a safer Nigeria. I plan to continue outreach to schools and communities with my team, teaching responses and safe practices regarding sexual and gender-based violence. I am also currently writing a book to broaden the impact of this initiative in Nigeria and subsequently across the globe. I have so much more to meaningfully contribute to my country, and I am glad Chevening has propelled me towards achieving my dreams!”
A Commonwealth Scholar, Chimdi Ekwueme, who studied Health Policy, Planning and Finance at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK, said, “Studying in the UK has deepened my Nigerian perspective by allowing me to situate my local experience within wider international conversations and gaining practical insights I can apply at home.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
An education technology-based platform known as Aahbibi has officially rebranded as Hallos, also launching more than 5,000 self-paced courses aimed at strengthening knowledge transfer, accelerating skill acquisition, and improving literacy among everyday learners across Africa and beyond.
According to a statement on Thursday, the new identity signals a renewed commitment to building an inclusive, creator-driven learning ecosystem that equips individuals with practical, relevant skills for today’s economy.
Positioned as a creator-economy engine, Hallos brings together education, entertainment, and commerce within a single digital platform. It integrates live classes hosted by creators, social commerce and merchandising, podcast-driven learning, and quiz-based gamification. This blended approach is designed to deepen understanding, boost engagement, and promote fast, practical learning experiences for users at every level.
With creators already active on the platform from Kenya, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Lagos, the United States, and Dubai, Hallos is cultivating a truly global community rooted in African creativity and innovation. Its expanding international network offers diverse perspectives, practical insights, and culturally relevant content that resonates with learners across regions.
Beyond online learning, Hallos is also emerging as a creative economy powerhouse, driving engagement through physical and hybrid experiences.
Upcoming initiatives include the Learning247 Creator Summit at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), and a major exhibition at the Enugu Technology Festival. These events are designed to connect creators, learners, and industry stakeholders, fostering collaboration, showcasing innovation, and expanding opportunities in the creative and digital sectors.
At the heart of Hallos’ mission is a four-pillar strategy focused on long-term social and economic impact. The platform is dedicated to supporting women in technology, advancing massive open connected education, and positioning Africa as a global production hub through market-ready skills development. By empowering individuals with practical knowledge, Hallos aims to strengthen the labour market and unlock new economic opportunities across the continent.
Hallos is also introducing a social impact course that encourages collective participation in Africa’s transformation. The initiative invites individuals, creators, and organisations to help reshape narratives, broaden opportunities, and drive the continent toward greater prosperity.
With its new brand identity and expanded course catalogue, Hallos says it is charting a bold future for learning — one where creators lead, communities thrive, and practical knowledge is accessible to all.
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