Educational Negligence, a defect to Nigerian Economic Development

Introduction

Education is said to be the key to a successful life in any society. An illiterate is normally regarded as a nonentity. That is why people strive as much as possible to be educated, not only to elude from the tag of being identified as an illiterate but also to gain knowledge and to be productive in the society. Little wonder a British Philosopher of the 16th century Sir Francis Bacon affirmed that “Knowledge is power”, knowing fully that no great work can be done or achieved without knowledge. This article will argue that the Nigerian government has focused less in the area of formal education, and that has affected tremendously the development of her economy.

The State of Education in Nigeria

Nigerian government has tried their best in the area of education, but they still need to try more. That is to say, salaries of teachers and lecturers should be considered, because It will be difficult for teachers and lecturers to impact knowledge on the students when their salaries are withheld. Sometimes their salaries would be delayed for about 2–3 months or more, and you expect them to teach comfortably. How will they provide the needs of their family or take care of themselves when they are sick? Even though in some states across the country, this is not a problem, but what about other states? I have never heard any news either in the newspaper or on television that salaries of our government officials were delayed, even though they are paid higher than the teachers. Thus there is the need to look into this issue.

In addition, practical and theory should flow together in our various schools. None should be preferred to the other. Some of our schools today have focused on one, which is the theoretical aspect. In some secondary schools and universities, they lack the equipment and training facilities needed to teach the students. There is no doubt that students learn things easily when they involve practical than theory, even though both are complementary. That is why a Kenyan Prof Christopher Shasanya alludes that Nigerian educational system is theoretically inclined.

Generally, issuing of certificate is important in as much as education is concerned because it certifies that one has truly acquired a particular knowledge. But the problem is that one’s acquiring of the certificate is not a sufficient condition for the reality of his knowledge because one, who is not qualified for it, also gets it too. One may object that the students are the proponents of such action, which is true. But such an objection can be wrong owing to the fact that the management can as well contribute to it.

Economic situation of Nigeria

Poor management of Nigerian Economy has affected its development. Nigeria is 57 years since her independence, but has not done much things as regard the economy. The leaders rather rely on our oil though plans are made to diversify the economy, but these plans seem abstract, as if it cannot be realized. An area like the agriculture, which is capable of boosting the economy, can as well be looked into. However, one may be compelled to say that it is the poor management of the economy that resulted to the plan of trying to borrow the sum of $5.5 billion to finance the 2017 budget deficit.

On another note, the act of stealing from public funds that could have been invested in other sectors has ruined the economy. Similarly, stolen funds are being discovered and recovered from our past and present governmental officials by EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission), which show how selfish they are. If you ask some average Nigerians what they will do when they get into any of the governmental offices, their answers cannot be positive, but negative. How then will our economy grow in this situation? To this effect, efforts should be made to vote in men and women of good will for the country. If such people are voted in, it will be easier for them to appoint good people who will work with them. This will help probably, to curtail the embezzlement.

How is Educational Negligence a defect to Economic development in the Country?

Poor leadership techniques have affected education, thereby being a defect to the development of economy. You can agree with me that in order for one to be a leader, one has to be a reader. Plato is of the view that it is the philosopher kings that can rule the state effectively, i.e the educated. Imagine a situation where uneducated are the people governing the society; they will not know the techniques needed to govern the society, and this will lead to poor development of economy in the society. Educated leaders are the best option for Nigeria because they have the necessary skills. For instance, the ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) strike could not have occurred, if the academicians are the leaders, and so on.

Consequently, educational negligence among other things has led to increase in vices in the society such as stealing, kidnapping, to mention but a few. No reasonable contribution can be made where one is not richly informed during one’s school days. That is to say, idle minds beget vices. However, these vices mentioned are perhaps caused by unemployment in the country, and can to certain extent be controlled when educational system is organized in such a way that for each level of education one completes, he can be functional in the society. This should be considered because all may not be able to complete the 6–3–3–4 system of education.

Possible Remedies

Every problem has a solution, but it depends on individual’s interest in proffering solution to it. On this note, I wish to say that competent and quality teachers and lecturers should be employed to teach in various schools across the country. One may argue that in some cases, the students will not be docile to learn. Based on this claim, it is verity because you can force a horse to the stream but cannot force it to drink water. However, one may criticize the above mentioned fact by saying that competent and quality teachers and lecturers have the techniques to handle such case.

As a matter of fact, salaries of teachers in various schools should be paid adequately and on time. They should not be withheld because it may lead to set back both on the students and the institution, which invariably will affect the development of the society, which of course is our main focus.

Moreover, equipment and training facilities should be provided for the students like laboratory equipment, computer etc. The government should also send delegates to find out those schools that lack such things and then make necessary provisions in that regard.

Conclusion

With education, one can actualize the following: specialization in various field, good entrepreneurs, discoveries, professionals in all fields of endeavour, refined men and women of good will and so on. These are presumed product of education and as such vanguards of economic development. To wit, education improves the development of any society. Schools at various levels are expected to educate individuals for economic growth and development. It is on this note that I say that the earlier the Nigerian government prioritizes or focuses on education, the better for the society. Therefore, education is the best legacy a country can leave to her citizens.

Uchegbu Cornelius C., A Philosophy Student, Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu