A Comparative Critique of Nigeria's Educational System; An Imperative for Urgent Reform
O D Michael, Okechukwu Divine Michael
Abstract
Education is a critical driver of national development, especially in an era of globalization where nations must adapt to technological and socio-economic transformations. Nigeria’s educational system, however, faces persistent challenges that hinder its ability to produce a workforce suited for the 21st century. Regardless of several reforms, the sector continues to suffer from poor funding, insecurity, politicization, outdated curricula, and brain drain, all of which threaten its relevance in a rapidly evolving global order. This paper examines these underlying lapses while drawing lessons from comparative educational systems in the United States, Singapore, and South Africa etc. The aim of the paper is to propose a roadmap for reform that will reposition Nigeria’s educational framework as a catalyst for building a future-ready workforce. Some of its core objectives include; to trace the historical development of Nigeria’s educational system and its impact on present outcomes, to identify the key challenges hindering effective delivery of quality education in Nigeria and to examine the role of poor funding, insecurity, and poverty as negative driving factors. Using a qualitative research method, the study relied on secondary data from journal articles, government reports, international databases, and credible news sources. A descriptive and comparative analytical framework was also employed, focusing on funding, policy orientation, student outcomes, and accountability. Findings reveal that Nigeria allocates far less than the UNESCO benchmark for education, resulting in dilapidated infrastructure, recurring strikes, and limited access for indigent students. Insecurity and poverty continue to displace millions of children from school, while mass emigration of skilled professionals undermines local capacity. Comparative analysis also shows Nigeria trailing behind countries like Singapore, which prioritizes meritocracy and compu
Keywords
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