During a quarterly citizens and stakeholders engagement in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Prof. Maman Tahir, underscored the critical role of skills acquisition in addressing the learning crisis faced by Nigerian students. He emphasized the need for a reliable database to promote skills development and reduce the number of out-of-school children.
Tahir expressed concern over the learning crisis in the country, noting that many students lack the ability to think critically and collaborate effectively. He attributed this trend to a deficiency in practical skills and the absence of digital facilities in schools, which contributes to the growing number of out-of-school children.
The minister outlined the government’s plan to integrate skills acquisition into the education system, starting from primary schools. He emphasized the importance of hands-on learning experiences to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. Tahir highlighted the positive impact of skills-based education on enrollment rates and stressed the government’s commitment to transforming the education sector.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach in addressing the challenges facing the education sector. He highlighted the ministry’s strategic plan, titled ‘Education for Renewed Hope: Nigeria Education Sector Roadmap,’ which aims to implement key deliverables outlined by the President.
Sununu emphasized the significance of the roadmap’s eight focus areas and 13 pillars in achieving the ministry’s objectives and improving the quality of education in Nigeria. He reiterated the government’s commitment to working with national and international partners to drive meaningful change in the education sector.
Overall, the engagement underscored the government’s recognition of the urgent need to reform the education system and prioritize skills acquisition to equip Nigerian students with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
