In a recent interview with ARISE NEWS, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, highlighted the critical need for transnational education and a stable academic calendar to enhance the country’s educational system. Dr. Sununu’s statements come at a pivotal time when Nigeria is grappling with educational challenges, including age-appropriate school entry, transparency in private institutions, and limited access to tertiary education.
Dr. Sununu emphasized the importance of age-appropriate entry into the education system, specifying that children should begin primary school at age six, followed by a seamless transition through twelve years of primary and secondary education. “The age of entry at the primary school level is supposed to be at the age of six years, with an expected twelve years of primary and secondary education combined,” he explained. This structured approach aims to provide a solid educational foundation and ensure students are adequately prepared for higher education and the workforce.
A significant concern raised by Dr. Sununu is the age of admission into tertiary institutions, particularly for postgraduate studies. He noted that many countries have an admission age of 18 years and have sought clarification from Nigeria’s Ministry of Education and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). This discrepancy in admission age can create challenges for Nigerian students seeking to study abroad and for international institutions considering Nigerian applicants.
Collaboration is key to addressing these issues, and Dr. Sununu stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders, including the National Assembly, vice-chancellors, and the registrar, in policy-making. “We can come together and look at it critically and then agree on a baseline level so that each and every student aspiring to go for tertiary education will be given an equal level playing field,” he stated.
Transparency in private institutions, particularly regarding religious requirements, was another focal point of Dr. Sununu’s interview. He called for universities to clearly communicate any religious obligations to prospective students to avoid legal disputes and ensure informed decisions. “Universities should make it clear if students must attend specific religious activities,” he urged, highlighting ongoing court cases resulting from a lack of prior disclosure.
One of the most pressing issues in Nigerian education is the limited access to tertiary institutions. Despite having a large number of qualified candidates, the country cannot accommodate all applicants. To address this, Dr. Sununu proposed the adoption of transnational education, which would involve establishing foreign university campuses in Nigeria or creating partnerships with Nigerian universities. “We should develop a policy allowing campuses outside Nigeria to establish here or enter into partnerships with Nigerian universities,” he suggested. This initiative could provide more opportunities for Nigerian students to pursue higher education while maintaining the same standards as parent institutions.
Additionally, Dr. Sununu advocated for the potential of joint certificates and student exchange programs, which could enhance the quality of education and provide students with valuable international exposure. However, he stressed that achieving these goals requires a stable academic calendar. “If we don’t have that stability, the issue of collaboration in terms of the exchange of students becomes very difficult or impossible,” he warned.
Nigeria’s educational system faces numerous challenges, but with comprehensive policies and collaborative efforts, significant improvements are possible. Dr. Sununu’s vision of transnational education and a stable academic calendar could pave the way for a more robust and inclusive educational framework, ultimately benefiting students and the nation as a whole.
The adoption of transnational education and a stable academic calendar is not just a policy suggestion but a potential game-changer for Nigeria’s educational landscape. Transnational education involves leveraging international partnerships to bring global standards of education to Nigeria, allowing students to receive world-class education without leaving the country. This model can help bridge the gap between Nigeria’s educational system and those of developed nations, providing students with competitive skills and knowledge.
Stability in the academic calendar is crucial for the success of this initiative. Frequent disruptions in the academic year, often caused by strikes and political instability, hinder the progress of students and the effectiveness of educational programs. Ensuring a predictable and reliable academic schedule would make Nigeria a more attractive destination for international collaborations and exchanges.
Furthermore, the emphasis on transparency in private institutions aligns with global best practices, fostering trust and accountability in the education sector. By clearly communicating all requirements, including religious obligations, universities can create an environment of inclusivity and respect for diverse beliefs and backgrounds.
Dr. Sununu’s proposals reflect a broader vision for an education system that is inclusive, transparent, and globally competitive. Implementing these changes requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government bodies, educational institutions, and the private sector. With the right policies and a commitment to stability and transparency, Nigeria can transform its educational system and provide its students with the opportunities they need to thrive in a globalized world.
