Challenges of the Nigerian educational system: From a student’s point of view

If you’re graduating or have graduated from any Nigerian school, then you definitely deserve a front-page spot on Punch or Bellanaija.  The word “challenge” is polite when we talk about the issues/challenges of the Nigerian educational system. Let’s talk about it shall we?

First, the syllabus vs time paradox. This one comes first because it’s exam season and I believe almost every student is ‘going through it’. The math never seems to be mathing. Because explain how you’re supposed to teach over 40 topics in 13 weeks and somehow, by some ‘miracle’ you end up teaching 35 of the 40 topics in revision week and in some cases, the lecture- free week.

Up next, let's talk about the lecturers/teachers. It’s funny how they didn’t have it good in their time, and for that reason and a lot more, they decide to make life almost unbearable and worse for their students. Some lecturers just come to class to read their slides, which is perfectly fine, what is not fine is that they’ll now refuse to drop the slides after the class, knowing fully well that everyone slept through it. Why are you wicked sir?

Let’s not forget the ASUU strikes. Someone said it’s the unofficial part of the University calendar, and I couldn’t agree more. One minute you’re preparing for exams and the next, your parents are shouting on your head to wash plates. Emotional damage!

Did you think I was going to fail to mention the nepotism? Over here in Nigerian universities, merit sometimes takes the back seat to connection. Something you would struggle the whole semester for, someone else would pay or call their daddy, and boom, you’re second place.

If you actually live(d) on campus as a student, then you’ll understand what it means to have aged before you age. Very poor amenities, and yet, you’re expected to come out as the best in your department.

Despite all of these, we endure and still manage to be one of the brightest minds in the world. This might have been a light hearted rant, but the truth is that the Nigerian education system needs a reform, but till then, we’ll keep joking and cry- laughing about it.