Passnownow.com’s guest tweeter (@OKShorty1): The real problem with Nigerian Education and how to deal with it

Hello, this is a round-up of our exciting guest interview on Twitter.

Last week, we had Olugbenga Kehinde Shote (@OKShorty1) discuss extensively on Nigerian Education and the way forward.

Olugbenga Kehinde Shote is a Senior Business Economist at Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) and a graduate of Estate Management from the University of Lagos. He is very passionate about the upbringing and educational welfare of young children and teenagers.

In the discussion, Shote revealed what it was like schooling in Nigeria back then, and regretted the situation at the moment. He also highlighted the real problems facing Education in Nigeria and suggested possible solutions.

Excerpt: (Hint: Q for questions from Passnownow.com. A for Olugbenga Kehinde Shote’s responses)

Q: Which Secondary School did you attend and what year did you write WAEC?

A: I attended Atlantic Hall School Maryland, I wrote my WAEC in 1999

Q: Mind telling us your WAEC And JAMB results? *LOL*

A: I don’t recollect my JAMB score but WAEC was 4 As and 4 Bs. I wanted 6 As but alas!

Q: What Was The Quality of Education Like Then In Those DAYS?

A: Public schools still produced the best students compared to Private schools. Mayflower School Ikene for example. These days even private schools have fallen in terms of standards.

Q: How would you rate the standard of teachers and government’s commitment at that time?

A: At that time the level of commitment had started to drop but not to the abysmal levels we currently see.

In those Government organised debates and science competitions between schools. An example was the J.E.T.S. J.E.T.S stands for Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists by the way.

Q: What’s your appraisal of Nigeria’s current education sector?

A: Poor infrastructure. Outdated curriculum. Poor teacher motivation and training. Outdated methods

Q: If Nigeria’s education is decrepit as we have it now, where do you think things went wrong?

A:  Education requires massive investment. The Govt simply reduced spending on education.

Q:  Do you think the present federal and state govts are doing enough to nip the the decay in the bud?

A: For example the Education tax of 2% of the profits of all CAMA registered companies is unaccounted for.

Total Disbelief. If basic numeracy & communication fail at the primary school level, don’t expect any better.

Q:  What is your reaction to the alarming failure rates recorded in waec and jamb?

A:  Exams are supposed to test learning and aren’t an end in themselves. The focus should be on learning outcomes.

Q: Who do you think is responsible for the massive failures; students, teachers, government, parents/guardians or everybody?

A: In summary, everybody. But I’ll lay more of the blame at the feet of the Government.

Underfunding by Government means you can’t attract brilliant teachers and pay them well.

Underfunding also means you can’t upgrade infrastructure. Pupils need a conducive learning environment.

No nation can rely on private schools to train the bulk of its workforce. Public schools are still relevant.

Q:  How do you think Technology can positively affect Nigeria’s Education and Students’ Learning Behaviours/outcomes?

A: In the 1940s, India decided to focus on developing knowledge in Tech by setting up Technology Institutes. Today Silicon Valley is dominated by Indian Engineers because of the foresight of Sir Jogendra Singh. Technology means less time searching for information and more time solving problems.

It’s ironic that we still have a high level of ignorance even with Google at everyone’s fingertips.

Q: DO you think Online Learning can/will replace the physical/real School Teaching at any point from now?

A: In some communities it will be the only medium of learning. Cost effective and easily scaleable.

There’s still a place for classroom as you can’t discount physical interaction between students and teachers. For example I know many people who have gained new skills online through platforms like Coursera.

Q: Do you think the moral decadence amidst Nigerian youths is a function of our collapsed education sector?

A: There’s a link but it’s not a simple cause and effect relationship

When young people see successful people who are poorly educated, they lose the incentive to excel in school.

Q: Two more questions to go after this one.

What are your solutions for Government on improving Nigeria’s EDUCATION?

A:  1. Declare a state of emergency. 2. Sequester funding from the Excess Crude Account.

3. Massively import teachers to fill the current gaps while training locals. 4. Partner with multinationals

Q: What are the roles of Parents in ensuring good Quality Education for their Children?

A: Parents need to actively monitor their children’s progress in school. Make learning part of everyday life.

And parents need to stop unscrupulous practices like paying for special WAEC centres and bribing teachers.

Q: The role of the Media in Educative Content Development for Students and how much is Social Media affecting our Education Sector?

A: Social media can expose students to new knowledge if used properly. Otherwise it can be a distraction. Social Media is just like traditional media in that it can offer both vice and virtue using the same medium.