society
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.
society
2baba, Makhadzi, Stonebwoy, Eddy kenzo, Nikita others storm Ethiopia as AU unveils AFRIMA 2025 Calendar, Host City
2baba, Makhadzi, Stonebwoy, Eddy kenzo, Nikita others storm Ethiopia as AU unveils AFRIMA 2025 Calendar, Host City
Celebrated African music icon 2baba Idibia will headline a dynamic lineup of artists and global music industry leaders as panelists at the upcoming AFRIMA 2025 Music Conference, which forms part of a two-day event organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Committee of the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) to unveil the AFRIMA 2025 Calendar and Host City, at the AU Headquarters, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from May 13 to 14, 2025.
Joining 2baba on the panels are top names such as South African superstar, Makhadzi; the vibrant Kenya music sensation, Nikita Kering; Ugandan multiple-award winner, and music executive, Eddy Kenzo; international pop star and ARIMA 2018 best artist in Raggae/Ragga from Ghana, Stonebwoy; Founder and CEO of Bana Records, Ethiopia, Bien Mekonnen; AFRIMA’s Regional Director and CEO of Yekwatu, Mike Strano; and Leo Fakhrul the Founder and Managing Director, Mamba Sounds, Edinburgh, UK amongst others. Together, they will engage in forward-thinking conversations around the future of African music, and the continent’s evolving creative economy.
According to Eyob Alemayehu, AFRIMA’s Country Director in Ethiopia, the excitement surrounding the hosting rights bid will hit its peak when the winning city is officially announced and awarded a certificate during the event.
Alemayehu also mentioned that the official theme for this year’s Africa’s global Music Award and the biggest music event in Africa, AFRIMA 2025 will be revealed during the two-day event, which will feature other exciting activities and programs that speaks to the seven (7) pillars of AFRIMA; (1) Music Awards (2) Music Festival (3) AFRIMA Kreative Academy (4) Talent Discovery and Promotion (5) Africa Music Business Hub (6) Policy Debate and Advisory (7) Advocacy
The first day will begin with an intellectually engaging Music conference with theme: Music Beyond Borders, followed by a host city announcement and calendar unveiling. Experts will dive into important topics like music industry policies, international collaborations, and strategies to boost Africa’s creative sector from developmental and economic growth prism. The calendar unveiling will provide information on the various programs, build-up activations and dates for main ceremonies of AFRIMA 2025.
“It’s a fully loaded first day,” said Alemayehu. “The Music Conference will kick off with the first panel session, ‘Borderless Beats: The Future of African Music in a Globalized World’, exploring how African sounds are resonating with global audiences. This will be followed by Panel Session 2, ‘Unlocking and Monetizing Africa’s Music Economy’, where top industry experts will discuss strategies to grow and sustain the continent’s creative sector.”
“We are bringing some of Africa’s most respected voices in music, and key industry leaders to Ethiopia because this is a crucial moment for the continent’s creative industry. Their insights and experiences are vital as we discuss and dissect the future of African music and explore strategies to grow a sustainable creative economy that speaks to both our heritage and our global aspirations.”
The day will wrap up with the AFRIMA Dinner & Social Networking Event, an exclusive gathering featuring AFRIMA and AU officials, renowned artists, and special industry stakeholders. This is a fantastic chance for everyone in the African music scene to connect and explore potential collaborations, Alemayehu said.
He added that on the second day, delegates will have a fantastic opportunity to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage. The City Tour will take participants to intriguing historical landmarks, heritage sites, museums, and artistic hubs, allowing for an immersive experience of Ethiopia’s vibrant culture.
“The unveiling of the AFRIMA 2025 Calendar and Host City is not just the beginning of another award season, it is a strong statement that Africa’s creative industry is moving forward. This moment starts the journey to another exciting edition in 2025, where the continent and the diaspora will come together to celebrate our music and culture,” Alemayehu.
Buratai advocates fusion of military strategy, diplomacy in global peace efforts
A former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), weekend, made a strong case for embedding military leadership to the fabric of international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
Buratai made the call while speaking as a special guest of honour at a one-day simulation of the United Nations General Assembly for students of the Department of Political Science, Nigerian Army University, Biu.
Lt-Gen Buratai, who was represented by Brig-Gen Muhammad Kabir Galadanci (rtd), stated the evolving responsibilities of military figures in today’s global arena, asserting that modern military officers must not only command on the battlefield but also influence diplomatic dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
Buratai pointed out that 21st-century security landscapes required leaders with both strategic defence expertise and solid grasp of diplomacy.
“Today’s military commanders are frontline contributors in negotiations, conflict mediation and peace partnerships,” he stated.
He spotlighted Nigeria’s distinguished history in global peacekeeping, recounting its early presence in the UN mission to Congo in 1960 and the nation’s leadership in ECOWAS peace interventions across West Africa.
“Nigeria has participated in 41 peacekeeping missions with over 200,000 troops deployed globally,” he said, referencing operations in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s pioneering role in founding the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), Buratai acknowledged the operational hurdles it faced, including poor coordination and funding challenges.
Despite these, he maintained that ECOMOG laid a strong blueprint for regional peace enforcement and intergovernmental collaboration in West Africa.
Buratai didn’t shy away from Nigeria’s current internal security trials as he argued that ongoing challenges such as insurgency, armed banditry, and communal unrest have constrained the country’s external engagement.
He urged investment in defence training, modern combat technology, and stronger civil-military synergy to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to fulfil its global peace commitments.
Reinforcing Nigeria’s position on international reforms, Buratai reiterated the need to democratise global institutions, particularly the UN Security Council, to ensure fair representation for Africa. “A permanent African seat isn’t just symbolic; it is essential for inclusive decision-making on global peace and security,” he stated.
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