Education is the heart of any nation. It supplies every sector of society, and once sick it affects the entire facets of the society. In fact, the levels of education to society create a conscious and enlightened citizenry who have brighter ideas for national development. Education of the citizens is the guarantee for peace, unity, equity and justice. The greatest instrument of national development is provision of qualitative education to the present and future generations.
Given the importance of education, what then is militating against this sector in Nigeria? Firstly, leadership problem: After the exit of Prof. Ruqquayat Rufai as minister of education there has been a glaring vacuum which is yet to be filled, not because the so-called supervising minister is not on ground but his attitude towards policy issues appears more of a militant than a democrat and a technocrat.
Secondly, inadequate funding of education by government: Is a serious problem affecting the provision of qualitative education to Nigeria citizens which is a pre-requisite to national development.
In view of the importance of education to national development, one would assume that a responsible government of any nation should take a ministry that looks after education most seriously.
Unfortunately, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, the ministry of education has no minister which has led to protracted industrial action by some sectors of education for seven months.
One needs not to be told how this had affected the education of our youth.
A situation where 80 percent of the person “in-charge” is already in his state for governorship, the remaining 20 percent cannot handle such an important and sensitive ministry like that of education
In conclusion therefore, one will be right to say that “There Is No Minister Of Education In Nigeria Today”.
Comrade Kudu Mohammed Aliyu,
Chairman, SSANIP,
Federal Polytechnic, Bida Chapter