Professor Hope Eghagha, a former Commissioner for Higher Education in Delta State and a lecturer at the University of Lagos, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s education sector. Speaking during a live interview on Channels TV, Eghagha highlighted the pressing need to align Nigeria’s educational curriculum with global trends and societal needs, ensuring relevance and equity in access and outcomes.
Professor Eghagha emphasized that education should not merely be about acquiring knowledge but about fostering societal relevance. “We must interrogate the curriculum across all levels—primary, secondary, and tertiary—to ensure it is culturally, socially, and economically relevant,” he stated. He criticized the current system for producing graduates ill-prepared for the realities of the job market, thereby fueling frustrations and narratives like “education is a scam.”
Eghagha lauded ongoing efforts by bodies like the National Universities Commission (NUC) to tailor programs toward entrepreneurial skills and global competitiveness. He highlighted the importance of balancing traditional education with vocational and technical training, as seen in past policies like the 6-3-3-4 system, which focused on skill acquisition at secondary levels.
Addressing the growing demand for tertiary education, Eghagha advocated for more state-owned institutions to broaden access. However, he cautioned against pricing education out of reach for the average Nigerian. “Education is a social welfare service, not a profit-making venture,” he argued, highlighting the disparity between affordable federal institutions and expensive state or private universities.
Eghagha also noted the persistent issue of limited admission slots, with many students applying multiple times before securing a place. He called for a strategic approach to address this imbalance, including expanding professional courses and ensuring graduates are equipped with skills relevant to national development.
Reflecting on global advancements, Eghagha proposed integrating technology and hybrid learning models into the Nigerian educational framework. He shared the University of Lagos’ experience of running virtual semesters during campus renovations, describing it as a potential pathway to modernize education delivery. However, he raised concerns about infrastructural deficits, such as poor power supply and limited internet access, which hinder the effectiveness of such initiatives.
“Students need access to AI and new technologies to compete in the 21st century. Without consistent power and internet connectivity, particularly in rural areas, we deny them a future,” he lamented.
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While acknowledging Nigeria’s wealth of policies, Eghagha stressed that poor implementation remains the sector’s Achilles’ heel. He called for an integrated approach where all stakeholders—teachers, parents, administrators, and policymakers—recognize their roles within the educational chain. He criticized practices like promoting under-performing students and the prevalence of “miracle centers” that undermine academic integrity.
“We need a system that values continuity in policies and enforces accountability at all levels,” he said, adding that individual actions significantly impact the broader educational ecosystem.
On the contentious issue of age restrictions for university admission, Eghagha argued against a blanket legislative approach. He suggested flexibility to accommodate exceptional students while ensuring that younger entrants are adequately prepared for the demands of tertiary education. “Mind development is crucial. Let students follow the process, but institutions should have the autonomy to assess readiness based on performance and maturity,” he said.
Professor Eghagha concluded by urging all Nigerians to take responsibility for the education system’s success. “We cannot solely blame the government. Everyone—from parents to educators—must contribute to preserving the system’s integrity,” he asserted.
Eghagha’s insights highlight the critical need for a holistic overhaul of Nigeria’s education sector, balancing access, quality, and relevance while addressing infrastructural and systemic gaps. As policymakers deliberate on these issues, his recommendations provide a roadmap for sustainable reform.
