Have you ever wondered why so much emphasis is placed on STEM subjects in Nigerian schools even though virtually all the science students barely practice the science they have been taught? Indeed, several (presumably brilliant students) are continually groomed towards becoming the future scientists who would solve the problem of Nigeria’s technical inadequacies. But in spite of these efforts, what we have all over the place are Physicists who cannot apply their knowledge towards solving actual problems, Electrical Engineers who cannot fix electrical faults in their homes and Medical Doctors who cannot perform kidney transplants. The question is- whose fault is this?
But as worrisome as this situation may be, the problem may [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][perhaps] not entirely be the fault of the students after all. There are indeed so many factors complicating the education process in Nigeria. However, for the sake of time and space I will focus on discussing the two major ones. Read below please…
The first major problem is perhaps the unavailability of efficiently qualified science tutors to properly teach the scientists. There is no gainsaying the fact that nobody can teach what they do not know. And when the teachers teaching these STEM subjects are no good, they couldn’t possibly be able to adequately impart the right knowledge to the students.
Therefore, the lack of adequate professional training is definitely a major problem militating against the effective tutoring of Nigeria’s future scientific saviours. But then again, this lack of adequate science is only but the outcome of this same problem which has obviously persisted. In other words, even the teachers themselves were not well taught by their own teachers. This is a serious problem that needs to be solved immediately if Nigeria truly hopes to produce a new crop of locally-bred scientists who will help proffer solution to our many problems. And to solve this problem therefore, science teachers should be encouraged to improve their knowledge through regular meaningful workshops, seminars and further studies.
The second major problem discouraging performance of science-inclined students in Nigeria is the lack of Science Equipments in schools. I mean…have you been to the labouratories in these schools and seen how obsolete they are? But then that is for schools that even have these labouratories. And truth be told, there is no how any science student can effectively learn science by merely reading textbooks. Practical science is indispensable. And since most Nigerian science students do not have access to state of the art labouratories to practice what they’ve been taught, it can be seen why they are usually no good by the time they are done studying.
To solve this problem and the one earlier discussed, Governments at various levels must play the lead role. First of all, it is the job of Government to implement policies that will augur well for the educational sector. In the same vein, well meaning private individuals should also take charge and transform our education sector. Already, this is happening, although due to the high cost of private schools, only a few can afford to attend better schools. In any case, all hands must be on deck towards making our education sector better than it currently is.
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