Primary education must be a priority

The state of primary education in Nigeria is deeply troubling. Across the country, millions of children are learning without chairs, tables, or toilets. In some states, pupils still sit on bare floors or even learn under trees. UNICEF reports that Nigeria has about 18.3 million out-of-school children — the highest in the world. This is […]

The state of primary education in Nigeria is deeply troubling. Across the country, millions of children are learning without chairs, tables, or toilets. In some states, pupils still sit on bare floors or even learn under trees. UNICEF reports that Nigeria has about 18.3 million out-of-school children — the highest in the world. This is a national tragedy.

Insecurity and poverty are part of the problem, but the larger issue is poor governance. Many states have failed to commit to primary education despite its importance as the foundation of learning and national development. Between 2020 and 2024, over N135 billion in Universal Basic Education Commission grants went unused, even as some governors spent recklessly on luxury. As of late 2024, only Katsina and Kaduna had accessed their 2024 UBEC grants, leaving about N68 billion dormant. This is nothing short of negligence.

Meanwhile, children in other countries are being prepared for the future with digital classrooms, multimedia tools, and strong teacher support. Here, we cannot even guarantee basic literacy in many Northern states such as Yobe and Zamfara, where literacy levels remain shockingly low.

Primary education is not a privilege; it is a right. Every Nigerian child deserves access to quality schools, trained teachers, and safe learning environments. State governments must provide counterpart funding to access UBEC grants and stop mismanaging funds meant for schools. Local governments should also take greater responsibility, while communities, civil society, and the National Orientation Agency must work together to promote the value of education.

• We must reject false narratives on Danfodiyo’s jihad – Sheikh Mafara
• Flood: HYPPADEC builds capacity to mitigate impact

If we continue to ignore the foundation, we should not expect a strong future. Nigeria cannot rise while its children sit on bare floors. Primary education must be made free, compulsory, and fully funded. The time to act is now.

 

Mamza Jarafu, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri