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From Classroom to Crisis: How Nigeria’s Educational Policies Contributed to Economic Decline – By Gbolahan Adetayo
From Classroom to Crisis: How Nigeria’s Educational Policies Contributed to Economic Decline – By Gbolahan Adetayo
Amid the ongoing debates about Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, one critical issue often overlooked is the educational foundation that has shaped the country’s workforce and economy. Many have pointed fingers at various aspects of governance and policy for the nation’s woes, but a closer examination reveals that the root of Nigeria’s problems may lie in a fundamental misstep in its education system: the compulsory emphasis on English language and mathematics at the expense of agriculture, the backbone of Nigeria’s economy before the discovery of crude oil.
From primary to secondary education, Nigeria’s curriculum has prioritized English and mathematics as the core subjects for all students. While these subjects are undoubtedly important, the government’s decision to make them compulsory for students sitting for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has inadvertently sidelined agriculture—a subject that could have better equipped the nation to maintain and strengthen its agricultural heritage.
Before the advent of oil, agriculture was the lifeblood of Nigeria’s economy, providing food, employment, and export revenue. The country was renowned for its agricultural productivity, with regions specializing in different crops that sustained both local and international markets. However, as Nigeria began to shift its focus towards the oil industry, agriculture was gradually neglected, a trend that has been mirrored in the education system.
By making English and mathematics compulsory subjects for students to pass before graduating from secondary school, the government has inadvertently sent a message that these are the only gateways to success. This policy has led to a decline in interest and enrollment in agricultural studies, as students are often more focused on mastering subjects that they believe will lead to white-collar jobs.
This neglect of agricultural education has had long-term repercussions. Nigeria, once a leader in global agricultural production, now struggles with food insecurity and relies heavily on imports to feed its growing population. The youth, who should be the future farmers and innovators in agriculture, are largely uninterested in pursuing careers in this field due to a lack of emphasis and encouragement from the educational system.
Moreover, the compulsory focus on English and mathematics has also exacerbated issues of unemployment and underemployment. As more students graduate with qualifications in subjects that do not align with the country’s primary economic needs, there is a growing mismatch between the skills available in the workforce and the jobs that are critical to national development.
To address these challenges, there needs to be a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s education policy. Agriculture should be given the same level of importance as English and mathematics, if not more, especially in regions where farming is still a viable and necessary livelihood. Schools should integrate agricultural education into their core curriculum, encouraging students to pursue it as a subject that not only holds the key to personal success but also national sustainability.
In addition to revising the curriculum, the government should invest in agricultural schools, provide scholarships for students interested in agriculture, and promote the benefits of a career in this vital industry. By doing so, Nigeria can begin to rebuild its agricultural sector and ensure that future generations are equipped with the skills needed to revive and sustain it.
The current emphasis on English and mathematics as the cornerstones of education, while important, has inadvertently led to the neglect of agriculture—Nigeria’s original economic mainstay. It is time for the government to rethink this approach and realign the education system with the country’s most pressing needs. Only by doing so can Nigeria hope to overcome its current challenges and build a more sustainable and prosperous future.
After nearly two decades of building a career in journalism, Yoruba movie acting, production, and content creation, Gbolahan Adetayo made a bold decision to challenge the conventional path. Recognizing the critical role agriculture plays in Nigeria’s survival, he ventured into the agricultural sector, where he is now thriving.
Adetayo’s journey reflects a growing awareness that the country’s focus on white-collar jobs, spurred by an educational system that prioritizes subjects like English and mathematics over agriculture, may have contributed to Nigeria’s current challenges. By embracing agriculture, Adetayo is not only securing a stable future for himself but also highlighting the need for a reevaluation of Nigeria’s educational priorities. His success serves as a testament to the potential prosperity that lies in returning to the nation’s agricultural roots, a sector that sustained Nigeria long before the discovery of crude oil.
This shift in focus is a reminder that the real solution to Nigeria’s problems may lie in refocusing on practical, life-sustaining skills—skills that were once the backbone of the country’s economy.
COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.
Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.
Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.
Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool
In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.
Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.
Proactive Security Operations Underway
Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace
Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.
Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.
Call for National Unity
The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.
“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.
The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.
IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid a working visit to Plateau State following recent unrest, holding strategic talks with Governor Caleb Muftwang on measures to strengthen security and prevent further disturbances.
As part of immediate steps to stabilise the situation, the police chief authorised the deployment of specialised tactical units to support officers already on ground across affected areas.
Governor Muftwang commended the swift intervention of the police leadership, praising the dedication and professionalism of security personnel working to restore calm. He also acknowledged the efforts of mobile police officers and lauded the leadership of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.
Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Plateau State Government reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that enhanced collaboration remains key to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor
……“Miracles, Healing, and Deliverance Overflow at Grace Nation Services”
The Grace Nation midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance, and Solutions (PHDS) Service on 2nd April 2026 at the international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was a spectacular display of God’s power, marked by miracles, healing, and deliverance.
The God of Grace Nation continues to demonstrate His authority, breaking strongholds, healing the sick, restoring lost glory, and providing solutions to every problem presented at His altar.
Testimonies of God’s Power
One woman, previously diagnosed with a terminal condition and slated for a ₦4.5 million surgery due to inability to excrete, was prayed for by the Generational Prophet, Christopher Okafor, just a week after visiting the church. Declaring healing within 24 hours, she returned to testify to God’s miraculous intervention.
Another pregnant woman, whose baby was bridged and at risk, was located and prayed for. She returned to service with confirmation that her child is now well-positioned for delivery. Similarly, a woman booked for a C-section due to an overdue and poorly positioned pregnancy testified during the service that her baby is now properly positioned, ready for birth.
These testimonies underscore the truth: what God cannot do does not exist. Grace Nation has entered a new level of spiritual authority, and with faith, believers are witnessing the impossible become reality.
God Works by Principle, Not Gossip
In his sermon, Dr. Okafor emphasized that God does not operate on superstition, gossip, or social media pressures. His work is grounded in His Word, and it is through adherence to His principles that Grace Nation continues to flourish.
The Generational Prophet stressed that to enjoy divine blessings and fruitfulness, believers must remain connected to God’s Word, faithfully serve Him, and ignore distractions or side-talks. Focused commitment to God’s service guarantees alignment with His miraculous power.
Join the Movement
Grace Nation Worldwide is open for all who desire a life transformed by divine intervention. Weekly services include:
Sunday Service: 7:00 AM
Grace Nation Island Service (Ogombo): Wednesday, 5:00 PM
Midweek PHDS Service: Thursday, 7:00 AM
Attending these services under the ministry of the Generational Prophet ensures encounters with God’s supernatural power, life-changing miracles, and lasting breakthroughs.
Grace Nation Worldwide is not just a church—it is a reality where faith meets the supernatural.
By Sunday Adeyemi
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