By AfrikTimes interviewed Mrs. Aderonke Babs, the founder of Honey Crown Standard Schools in Ogun State. She discusses the challenges facing education in Nigeria and her views on reforms that could improve the system.
How would you describe the current standard of secondary school education in Nigeria based on your experience?
“The standard of secondary school education in Nigeria has drastically declined compared to what we had in the 1980s. Many students today show little interest in education, and some even claim that education is a scam. This disinterest makes it challenging for schools to nurture capable and motivated learners.”
What are the major factors that affect the quality of education delivered in secondary schools?
“The quality of education is affected by several challenges. One major issue is the lack of adequate funding for schools, which impacts everything from infrastructure to teacher support. In many public schools, classrooms, chairs, libraries, laboratories, and ICT equipment are either insufficient or completely absent. There is also a shortage of qualified teachers, and those in service often face poor remuneration. Overcrowded classrooms, insecurity, corruption, and mismanagement of allocated funds further hinder effective teaching and learning.”
How effective do you think the current teaching methods and learning approaches are in helping students understand and apply what they are taught?
“The effectiveness of teaching methods largely depends on the availability of resources and facilities. While the government has introduced a new curriculum, its success is limited because schools lack the necessary infrastructure, learning materials, and expert guidance. Students also need practical exposure through entrepreneurship and other hands on activities to develop skills that can contribute to economic growth and reduce unemployment. Without these supports, the methods alone cannot ensure meaningful learning.”
In your opinion, how well are secondary schools equipping students with skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving?
“Entrepreneurship should be the foundation of secondary education because it trains students to become job creators rather than job seekers. Unfortunately, many teachers have not been trained to teach entrepreneurship effectively, and most experts in the field do not know how to transfer their knowledge to students in an educational setting. This gap prevents students from developing essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving.”
What role do school facilities, learning environment, and instructional materials play in improving students’ academic performance?
“Facilities and infrastructure are crucial for learning. When schools have the necessary classrooms, laboratories, technological tools, and other instructional materials, students are able to perform better academically. Both government and private stakeholders have roles to play in providing these resources. With adequate support, Nigerian education can improve significantly, giving our youth a better future.”
From your perspective, what changes or innovations can help improve the overall quality of secondary school education in Nigeria?
“To improve secondary education, there needs to be proper funding, policy reforms, enhanced technological infrastructure, and comprehensive teacher training. Schools should recruit experts in various entrepreneurial fields and actively engage young people in agriculture, including crop production, animal husbandry, horticulture, herbs, and fisheries. By empowering the youth and providing the necessary resources, accommodations, and support, students will be meaningfully occupied, contributing positively to society. This approach will not only reduce societal problems but also foster a more productive and prosperous nation.
