NIGERIA STANDARD OF EDUCATION HAS FALLEN.

    FPO/HND/MAC/015/109
    Aniekwe Blessing Ujunwa
 

      There is no gainsaying the fact that in Nigeria today, the standard of education has fallen. Between 1914 and 1967, the products of primary schools, secondary schools, training colleges, vocational schools and tertiary institutions were the pride of this nation. In those days, a pupil in standard three or four could write good letters and essays. A child who successful completed his primary school education spoke very good English and his writing was admirable. Secondary schools and training colleges at this time were quite few and exclusive for students with very high intellectual abilities. Products of these colleges were good in all branches of learning and serves Nigeria very well in all human endeavors.

      Today, with the government takeover of schools from voluntary agencies that were mainly missionaries and highly discipline in 1970, indiscipline has been the order of the day. There are syndicate that forge certificates for the various examinations today. Lazy students buy these certificates and also indulge in various exam malpractices in other to pass their examinations. Between 1930 and 1980's, student’s ambition was to acquire sound education which will eventually lead them to good job. Today, with money and being well connect, one can get a job even without good grades.

    Teachers are perhaps the most neglected set of workers in Nigeria today. They often go on strike leaving their students like a sheep without a shepherd. Negotiation between government and teachers takes a long period of time thereby slowing down the process of learning and destroying the standard of education in Nigeria.