‘Why Nigeria Must Prioritize Education Beyond School’

Nigeria’s education system has long focused on children in formal classrooms, leaving a vast segment of adults without opportunities for skill development or lifelong learning. However, experts have warned that this gap could slow national growth and limit social empowerment if not addressed. At the University of Ilorin’s 297th Inaugural Lecture, Prof. Ayodele Anthony Fajonyomi […]

Nigeria’s education system has long focused on children in formal classrooms, leaving a vast segment of adults without opportunities for skill development or lifelong learning.

However, experts have warned that this gap could slow national growth and limit social empowerment if not addressed.

At the University of Ilorin’s 297th Inaugural Lecture, Prof. Ayodele Anthony Fajonyomi of the Faculty of Education highlighted the urgent need to extend learning opportunities beyond traditional schools.

The lecture, titled “From Wobbling to Thriving Development: The Transformative Power of Adult Learning and Education for a Sustainable Future”, laid out a roadmap for reforms that could reshape Nigeria’s education landscape.

Prof. Fajonyomi proposed the creation of a Ministry of Lifelong Education to coordinate adult learning, vocational training, and community-based education nationwide.

He argued that renaming the Federal Ministry of Education would symbolize a commitment to continuous learning and enable better collaboration across sectors.

He also called for strengthening the National Council of Education by expanding its membership to include representatives from universities, the private sector, and civil society.

According to him, this would make policy formulation more inclusive and responsive to national needs.

A central part of the reform vision, he noted, is the establishment of Community Learning Centres (CLCs).

“These centres would provide vocational skills, entrepreneurship programs, and health literacy, particularly for youth, women, and marginalized groups”, he said.

Prof. Fajonyomi noted that partnerships with local institutions and private organizations would foster social cohesion, economic empowerment, and digital inclusion.

The professor also emphasized professionalizing Adult Learning and Education (ALE).

He proposed a legally recognized body to certify practitioners, regulate standards, and monitor quality, ensuring adult education contributes effectively to workforce development and national growth.

The university submitted that education must be a lifelong pursuit.

“By prioritizing learning beyond schools, Nigeria can empower its citizens, strengthen communities, and build a sustainable foundation for national development”, he added.