The Ministry and Minister of Education of Nigeria and all you need to know

 

Imagine a boat filled to the brim with millions of eager Nigerian children, all dreaming of a brighter future through education. This boat, however, navigates the rough waters of overcrowded classrooms, under-resourced schools, and inadequate teacher training. At the helm stands Professor Tahir Mamman, Nigeria's Minister of Education, tasked with guiding this vital vessel towards calmer, knowledge-rich waters.

 

The Federal Ministry of Education is a part of the Federal Ministries of Nigeria that directs education in Nigeria. It is located at Block 5A (8th Floor), Federal Secretariat Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Area, P.M.B. 146, Garki, Abuja.

It is noteworthy that Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Education was founded in 1988. The Federal Ministry of Education is required to fulfill several duties by the National Minimum Standard Act Number 16 of 1999 and the Constitution (Chapter 2, Section 18), some of which are listed below:

Duties of the Federal Ministry of Education

Assure national collaboration and coordination in matters of education and represent Nigeria abroad.

2. Data management and collection for financial planning related to schooling.

3. Oversee the creation of educational policies.

4. Guarantees Nigeria's efficient involvement in the global arena concerning novel information and communication technologies.

5. Make certain that the nation as a whole achieves a consistent level of education.

6. Using the Department of Inspection to guarantee that all students in the nation receive high-quality instruction.

7. Create alignment between the nation's state education policies.

8. Create national school curriculum and syllabuses in collaboration with other pertinent organizations.

The  Minister of Education

Nigeria's present Minister of Education is  Professor Tahir Mamman. He was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on August 21, 2023. He is a seasoned academic and legal scholar with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Here's a closer look at his role and background:

 

Background and qualifications of Professor Tahir Mamman

Before he was appointed Minister, Professor Mamman had a distinguished academic career. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, and a Master of Laws and Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Warwick, England.

He served as a professor of law at the University of Jos for many years and held various leadership positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Law and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics).

Professor Mamman is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and has extensive experience in legal practice and academic research. He is a published author of several books and articles on law, governance, and education.

 

Early Days and Achievements of Professor Tahir Mamman

Born in 1954, Professor Mamman hails from Gombe State in northeastern Nigeria. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to education and law, including the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title.

 

Challenges of Nigeria’s Education System

Professor Mamman assumed office at a crucial time when the Nigerian education system faces daunting challenges such as:

Out-of-school children: Over 10 million Nigerian children lack access to education, a staggering reality hindering the nation's progress.

Teacher woes: Underpaid, under-trained, and often overloaded, teachers struggle to provide quality education amidst resource constraints.

Infrastructure woes: Crumbling classrooms and inadequate facilities further hamper the learning environment.

Funding shortfall: Chronic underfunding restricts resources and opportunities for improvement.

 

The Role of Nigeria's Minister of Education

1. Policy Formulation:

The Minister is responsible for formulating and implementing national education policies and strategies. This includes developing policies for all levels of education, from basic education to tertiary education.

2. Quality Control:

The Minister is responsible for ensuring the quality of education throughout the country. This includes setting national standards for curriculum, teacher qualifications, and infrastructure.

Resource Allocation: The Minister is responsible for allocating government resources to education. This includes funding for schools, universities, teacher training, and educational materials. The Minister must ensure that resources are distributed fairly and efficiently to meet the needs of all students.

 4. International Cooperation:

The Minister represents Nigeria in international education forums and organizations. This includes working with other countries to share best practices and promote educational development. The Minister also oversees the implementation of international education agreements and treaties.

5. Special Initiatives:

The Minister may also be responsible for implementing special initiatives to address specific educational challenges. This could include initiatives to improve girls' education, special education, or technical and vocational education.

 

Achievement and initiatives of Professor Tahir Mamman

While it's still too early to judge the long-term impact of Professor Mamman's initiatives, some early signs offer hope. In his short time as Minister, Professor Mamman has initiated several key initiatives, including:

1. Establishment of the Education Trust Fund (ETF) Intervention Fund: This fund aims to address critical infrastructure needs in Nigerian universities.

2. Launch of the "Teach Nigeria Project": This project seeks to attract qualified professionals to the teaching profession through incentives and improved working conditions.

3. Development of a new National Education Policy: This policy aims to modernize the Nigerian education system and address contemporary challenges.

 He also came up with a new initiative known as the Five-point Agenda to navigate the challenges of Nigeria’s education system.

Five-point agenda of the minister of education

Professor Mamman has launched a five-point agenda to address these critical concerns:

1. Improving access to quality education: Early Grade Reading Assessment programs in indigenous languages and efforts to make school affordable are key pillars.

2. Teacher development: Digital literacy training and improved working conditions aim to empower and retain teachers.

3. Curriculum reform: A new curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and relevant skills is being piloted.

4. Technology integration: Tablets and computers are being explored to enhance learning and bridge the digital divide.

5. Increased funding: Advocacy for increased budgetary allocation and exploring alternative funding sources are crucial steps.

Criticism and controversies surrounding the minister’s appointment and initiatives

It's important to note that Professor Tahir Mamman's tenure as the Nigerian Minister of Education is still nascent, starting in August 2023. While there haven't been major controversies surrounding him yet, certain aspects of his appointment and early initiatives have drawn criticism and raised concerns:

Criticism of Appointment:

Political Alignment: Some critics suggest his appointment might be more due to political affiliation than qualifications in education, potentially raising concerns about bias and agenda-driven decisions.

Limited Educational Experience: While his expertise lies in law, some express concerns about his lack of extensive experience in the education sector itself, questioning his understanding of the intricate challenges and nuances.

Criticism of Early Initiatives:

Focus on Infrastructure: While addressing infrastructure gaps is crucial, some critics argue it shouldn't overshadow equally important aspects like curriculum reform, teacher training, and addressing inequities.

Sustainability of Initiatives: Questions linger around the long-term sustainability of newly launched projects like the Teach Nigeria Project and the ETF Intervention Fund, especially concerning potential funding limitations and implementation effectiveness beyond initial enthusiasm.

Lack of Concrete Details: Critics point to a perceived lack of specific details and clear timelines surrounding certain initiatives, raising concerns about their feasibility and potential for delays or ineffective execution.

Recent teacher strike: The ASUU strike, disrupting university activities, highlighted the persistent tensions between policymakers and academics.

These criticisms should be viewed as constructive feedback and opportunities for Professor Mamman to address concerns and solidify his vision for Nigerian education. It's important to remember that judging his performance based on a brief tenure wouldn't be entirely fair.

Comparing Nigerian Education Policies to Global Practices

1. Access and Equity:

Nigeria: The current policy aims for universal access to basic education (6-15 years), but implementation challenges remain, particularly in rural areas and for girls. Gender disparity persists, with girls less likely to complete secondary education.

Global practices: Countries like Finland and South Korea prioritize early childhood education and have achieved near-universal enrollment at all levels. Closing the gender gap is a focus in many nations, with initiatives like scholarships and targeted programs for girls.

2. Curriculum and Assessment:

Nigeria: The 6-3-3-4 system emphasizes core subjects but faces criticism for rigidity and limited focus on skills like critical thinking and creativity. Assessment relies heavily on standardized tests.

Global practices: Many countries are moving towards competency-based curricula that emphasize skill development and personalized learning. Finland, for example, focuses on project-based learning and collaborative assessment.

3. Teacher Quality and Support:

Nigeria: Teacher shortages and uneven quality are major concerns. Teacher training programs and working conditions need improvement.

Global practices: Singapore invests heavily in teacher training and attracts top talent to the profession by offering competitive salaries and career development opportunities. Finland empowers teachers with autonomy and continuous professional development.

4. Infrastructure and Resources:

Nigeria: Inadequate infrastructure, including classrooms, libraries, and technology, is a major obstacle to quality education.

Global practices: Countries like South Korea and Estonia have invested heavily in technology infrastructure and digital learning resources. Public-private partnerships are increasingly used to address infrastructure gaps.

5. Innovation and Research:

Nigeria: The education sector lacks a strong culture of research and innovation.

Global practices: Finland encourages school autonomy and experimentation, leading to innovative teaching methods. Countries like Singapore and South Korea invest heavily in educational research and development.

Although the ministry and minister of education are responsible for Nigeria’s education system, the future of Nigeria’s education system is shaped by collective efforts, including educators, students, parents, and policymakers. A collaborative approach, informed by diverse perspectives and global best practices, holds the key to overcoming challenges and unlocking new potential.