In a compelling address on the sidelines of the 595th Inaugural Lecture at the University of Ibadan, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, issued a clarion call for a transformative overhaul of Nigeria’s education sector. Speaking at the event, which featured a lecture delivered by Prof. Dhikru Adewale Yaboyaju from the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Oloyede emphasized the urgent need to reposition the nation’s education system to foster self-reliance and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign assistance. His remarks underscored the critical role of education as a catalyst for national development and the importance of collective responsibility in achieving sustainable progress.
Prof. Oloyede’s message was clear: Nigeria’s education sector holds the key to unlocking the nation’s potential, and its proper positioning could significantly diminish the country’s reliance on external support. He argued that a robust, self-sustaining education system would empower Nigeria to address its developmental challenges independently, thereby enhancing its global standing. By prioritizing education, Nigeria could cultivate a workforce equipped with the skills, knowledge, and innovation needed to drive economic growth, social progress, and technological advancement.
The JAMB registrar’s call for repositioning the education sector comes at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history. For decades, the country has grappled with systemic challenges in its education system, including inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers. These issues have contributed to a reliance on foreign aid and expertise, often at the expense of national pride and sovereignty. Oloyede’s vision, however, is one of empowerment and self-sufficiency, where Nigeria leverages its human and intellectual capital to chart its own course.
During his address, Oloyede stressed the importance of collective responsibility in achieving this vision. He urged every Nigerian—regardless of their position or resources—to contribute meaningfully to national development. “We will continue to develop as long as every Nigerian makes his or her own contribution,” he stated. This call to action resonates deeply in a country where citizens often look to the government or external partners to address systemic challenges. Oloyede’s message challenges this mindset, advocating for a grassroots approach where individuals, communities, and institutions take ownership of the education sector’s transformation.
The registrar’s emphasis on collective responsibility highlights the interconnectedness of Nigeria’s development challenges and the need for a collaborative effort to address them. By fostering a sense of shared ownership, Oloyede believes that stakeholders in the education sector—government agencies, academic institutions, educators, students, and the private sector—can work together to strengthen the system. This collaborative approach, he argued, would not only enhance the quality of education but also position Nigeria as a leader in innovation and knowledge production.
Oloyede’s remarks also underscored the strategic importance of education as a driver of Nigeria’s growth and independence. A well-positioned education sector, he noted, would produce graduates capable of addressing the country’s unique challenges, from economic diversification to technological innovation. By investing in education, Nigeria could reduce its dependence on foreign expertise and imported solutions, fostering a sense of national pride and self-reliance. “Let each of us, in our little way, contribute to the development of the nation,” Oloyede urged, emphasizing that even small, individual efforts could collectively yield transformative results.
The call to reposition the education sector aligns with broader national aspirations for self-sufficiency. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, has immense potential to lead the continent in various fields. However, this potential remains untapped due to systemic inefficiencies, particularly in education. Oloyede’s vision challenges stakeholders to rethink the current model and prioritize investments in infrastructure, teacher training, curriculum development, and technology integration. By doing so, Nigeria could create an education system that not only meets global standards but also reflects the country’s cultural and developmental priorities.
One of the key implications of Oloyede’s message is the need for a paradigm shift in how Nigeria approaches education funding. Historically, the sector has been underfunded, with budgetary allocations often falling below the UNESCO-recommended benchmark of 15-20% of national budgets. This chronic underfunding has led to dilapidated facilities, outdated curricula, and a brain drain as talented educators and students seek opportunities abroad. To address this, Oloyede’s call for collective responsibility could inspire innovative financing models, such as public-private partnerships, alumni contributions, and community-driven initiatives, to supplement government funding.
Furthermore, Oloyede’s remarks highlight the importance of aligning Nigeria’s education system with the demands of the 21st century. In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and globalization, the country’s education sector must equip students with skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy. By modernizing curricula and integrating emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and data science, Nigeria can prepare its youth to compete in the global economy. This, in turn, would reduce the need for foreign expertise and foster a culture of innovation and self-reliance.
The registrar’s call also resonates with the broader discourse on decolonizing education in Africa. For too long, Nigeria’s education system has been shaped by colonial legacies and external influences, often prioritizing foreign models over indigenous knowledge systems. Repositioning the sector offers an opportunity to reclaim Nigeria’s intellectual sovereignty by developing curricula that reflect the country’s history, culture, and aspirations. By doing so, Nigeria can produce graduates who are not only globally competitive but also deeply rooted in their national identity.
Oloyede’s address at the University of Ibadan serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education. The choice of venue—an institution renowned for its academic excellence and contributions to Nigeria’s development—further amplified the significance of his message. The University of Ibadan, as one of Nigeria’s premier institutions, has a critical role to play in leading the charge for educational reform. By fostering research, innovation, and collaboration, the university can serve as a model for other institutions across the country.
To operationalize Oloyede’s vision, stakeholders must take concrete steps to address the challenges facing the education sector. First, there is a need for increased investment in infrastructure, including modern classrooms, libraries, and laboratories. Second, teacher training programs must be prioritized to ensure that educators are equipped with the skills and resources needed to deliver quality education. Third, the curriculum must be updated to reflect current realities and future aspirations, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as well as entrepreneurship and vocational skills.
Additionally, technology can play a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s education sector. By leveraging digital platforms, e-learning tools, and open educational resources, Nigeria can expand access to quality education, particularly in underserved areas. Initiatives such as online learning programs and mobile classrooms could bridge the gap between urban and rural education, ensuring that every Nigerian has the opportunity to contribute to national development.
Oloyede’s call for collective responsibility also extends to the private sector, which has a vested interest in a strong education system. Businesses can support educational initiatives through corporate social responsibility programs, scholarships, and partnerships with academic institutions. By investing in education, the private sector can help create a pipeline of skilled workers to drive economic growth and innovation.
In conclusion, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede’s call to reposition Nigeria’s education sector is a timely and visionary appeal for collective action. By strengthening the education system, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on foreign assistance, foster self-reliance, and unlock its full potential as a global leader. The registrar’s message challenges every Nigerian to take ownership of the nation’s development, emphasizing that progress is achievable through small, meaningful contributions. As Nigeria stands at a crossroads, the education sector offers a pathway to a brighter, more prosperous future. By heeding Oloyede’s call, stakeholders can work together to build an education system that empowers the nation, inspires innovation, and secures Nigeria’s place on the global stage. The time to act is now, and the responsibility lies with every citizen to contribute to this transformative vision.
