Almost all the states of Northern Nigeria are grappling with a severe and pervasive crisis – miseducation. This phenomenon affects not only the youth but also the elite, perpetuating a cycle of ignorance, stagnation, and poor leadership across the region. Recent examples of unconvincing excuses from leaders and misconceptions among the public illustrate this problem. According to UNESCO, Nigeria has approximately 10.5 million out-of-school children, with the majority residing in Northern Nigeria. This staggering figure is attributed to factors such as poverty, geographical constraints, and cultural barriers.
As I was exploring the device on my hand, different videos were shared on how protesters were vandalizing, looting and destroying properties, and businesses owned by their fellow brothers, destroying government properties which was meant for the public, shows the peak of the rot in our society. Have they not been taught to be civil? Were they not educated on how to protest peacefully? Is stealing the new norm? were we not supposed to be religious people? How do we justify our stealing in terms of the religion we claim to follow? how do we all arrive here? These among others where issues that I couldn’t contain alone until I have a conversation with Mallam about it. As I sat quietly allowing him finish his normal routine of meditation. I remember what Malcolm X said “Miseducation is more dangerous than no education at all. It can lead to a perpetuation of ignorance, misconceptions, and harmful behaviors, ultimately hindering personal growth, societal progress and innovation”.
Looking at my expression, he smiled and inquired what was wrong, and that was what broke the camel’s back, we discussed the issues on the protesters and their behaviors especially in the northern states and then Mallam emphasized that miseducation is a key player in the problem. He added that miseducation crisis in Northern Nigeria is characterized by:
1. Inadequate access to quality education, particularly for girls, in states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Jigawa
2. Outdated curricula and teaching methods in schools across the region, including in states like Kaduna, Kano, and Sokoto
3. An emphasis on rote learning over critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in states like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa
4. Inadequate teacher training and resources in states like Niger, Kebbi, and Gombe
5. The perpetuation of misinformation and misconceptions by leaders and influencers in states like Bauchi, Taraba, and Plateau
We are now facing the consequences of miseducation in the region which is by far-reaching and devastating:
1. Stunted Economic Growth
Miseducation hinders economic development, as a lack of skilled workers and innovative thinkers’ stifles entrepreneurship and industry growth. According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s GDP per capita stands at $2,049, ranking 137th globally.
2. Poor Healthcare Outcomes
Inadequate education contributes to poor healthcare outcomes, as individuals lack the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health. Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including high infant mortality rates and low vaccination coverage.
3. Increased Vulnerability to Extremism
Miseducation creates an environment conducive to extremism, as individuals lacking critical thinking skills are more susceptible to radical ideologies. The region has witnessed a rise in extremist groups, further destabilizing the area.
I inhaled deeply, looking palpable, he smiled and said there is a way out of it, to address this crisis, it is essential to:
1. Invest in Modern Education Infrastructure
Upgrading education infrastructure, incorporating technology and innovative teaching methods, will enhance the learning experience and increase access to quality education.
2. Develop Contextualized Curricula
Curricula must be tailored to address regional challenges, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and vocational skills.
3. Provide Comprehensive Teacher Training
Teachers require training, resources, and support to effectively deliver quality education, ensuring they are equipped to address the unique needs of their students.
4. Promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills
5. Encourage open dialogue, media literacy, and fact-based information to combat misinformation.
Knowing well that our problem started from our predecessors, they have literally failed our generation, by corruption, theft and mismanagement of public funds, lack of knowing their priorities and embezzlements. My hope is we don’t fail our upcoming generation looking at the trajectory of our problems, realizing that without political will, the synergy of critical stakeholders including traditional institutions, religious bodies, the general public our problems are yet to be solved.
I retracted to my room knowing fully well that the future of Northern Nigeria depends on acknowledging and addressing the miseducation crisis. By doing so, we can unlock the region’s potential, foster progress, and create a more informed, enlightened society, which will be a catalyst to social development.
As I make my tea, a thought flashed my mind, what if the youths will mobilize and organize a movement on mass education, volunteering from community level across all northern states? That will go a long way into addressing our problem especially our failed educational institution. With a glim of hope and a smile on my face, I look at the sky through the window remembering Malcom X saying “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. But miseducation can lead to a passport to nowhere, trapping individuals in a cycle of ignorance and limiting their potential”
Miseducation’s dark shadow looms large over Northern Nigeria, casting a pall of stagnation and despair. However, by acknowledging the causes, consequences, and solutions, we can begin to lift this shadow, unlocking the region’s potential and fostering a brighter future. It is imperative that stakeholders, including government, civil society, and individuals, collaborate to address this crisis, ensuring that education becomes a beacon of hope, rather than a source of despair.
Sumayya Abubakar is a development worker, she is an educationist, and peace builder. She is the lead of Plateau-based Muryar Fulani Peace Initiative Network Inc. She runs a schools’ system for marginalised populations in Plateau state, North central of Nigeria and can be reached at sumaiyaabubakar92@gmail.com
