Stakeholders in Nigeria's education sector have called for urgent reforms and closer collaboration between the government and faith-based institutions to produce graduates equipped to address the country's development challenges. The call was made at a symposium organised to mark the 55th anniversary of St. Augustine College of Education.
The event, themed: 'Rebuilding quality education in Nigeria through collaboration between government and mission schools', brought together academics, education administrators, religious leaders, and policy advocates. Participants identified inadequate infrastructure, poverty, poor funding, and an unconducive learning environment as persistent obstacles limiting growth in the sector.
They noted that only coordinated reforms involving both the government and the church could rescue the nation's struggling education system and raise the quality of teachers and graduates nationwide. The growing number of out-of-school children was also described as a national emergency requiring immediate intervention from the government and stakeholders in both public and private sectors.
Provost Calls for Stronger Collaboration
In his welcome address, Provost of the College, Dr Vincent Olofinkua, said stronger collaboration between government and mission schools was necessary to rebuild quality education in Nigeria. He stated that the nation's education sector faces serious challenges that demand collective action from all stakeholders.
Describing education as the foundation of national development, moral transformation, and social progress, Olofinkua said no nation can rise above the quality of its educational system. He acknowledged the role government schools continue to play in providing access to education for millions of Nigerians, but added that neither government nor mission schools can effectively address the challenges in isolation.
Former Commissioner Advocates Proactive Engagement
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo, said more proactive engagement by all stakeholders was needed to prevent further decay in the sector and to safeguard the future of Nigerian children.
UNILAG Dean Emphasizes Advocacy and Accountability
Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Bayo Oladapo, emphasised the need for advocacy-driven reforms, increased accountability, and stronger policy implementation to improve access to quality education nationwide.
UNILAG Philosophy Head Commends Mission Schools
Head of Philosophy Department at the University of Lagos, Prof. Anthony Okeregbe, commended Catholic mission schools for producing quality graduates, enforcing discipline, and upholding respect for the dignity of the human person. He urged government schools to adopt similar practices in order to groom well-rounded students.
Speakers at the event agreed that while the government possesses the institutional capacity for policy formulation, regulation, and the expansion of access to education, mission schools contribute moral discipline, community engagement, and long-standing traditions of academic excellence.
