Coordinator of, the Commonwealth Students Association, Precious Ebere, has proffered solutions to the increasing number of Nigerian students leaving the country to study abroad, stressing the need for the Federal Government to develop targeted policies and initiatives to attract and prevent Nigerian students from studying abroad.
Ebere, who spoke in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday, noted that increasing funding for education and ensuring access to same was imperative, adding that it has a significant impact on the lives of individuals and the overall prosperity of the nation.
“Many different aspects of education can be addressed in the political process, including funding, curriculum, teacher training, school choice, and access to higher education. How these issues are addressed can have significant consequences for the education system, and the prospects of individuals and society as a whole.
“The Federal Government’s approach to addressing the situation will vary depending on the particular situation and needs of Nigerian students studying abroad. However, some potential measures that the government could take to address the situation include increasing funding for university education and developing targeted policies and initiatives to attract and keep Nigerian students studying abroad in the country.
“The future of education is continually changing and evolving. However, some of the things that many students want to see in the future of education include more personalised learning experiences, more opportunities to engage with real-world issues and problems, and more opportunities to network and connect with other students and educators.
“Additionally, students would also like to see an increase in online and digital learning opportunities, as these tools continue to offer convenient and efficient access to education resources.
“Ensuring access to education is a critical issue for politicians to address, as it has a significant impact on the lives of individuals and the overall prosperity of the nation. Many people consider access to quality education to be a fundamental right and a key determinant of individual and societal success. As such, it is not uncommon for candidates in an election to present their plans and policies on education as part of their platforms,” she stated.
The renowned development practitioner and policy analyst urged leaders and those seeking political offices to invest in high-quality education.
“Promoting education during election periods is crucial for the development and progress of a country; It sends a message to voters that the candidates value the importance of education and are committed to improving it. Education is the foundation upon which nations are built, and investing in it helps to ensure that future generations have the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to their communities and the economy.
“For the Nigerian child’s education; whatever it takes to prepare our teachers, curriculum, and classrooms to attain the right educational goals should be done using clear data that can be monitored and accessed with the right policies.
“Beyond campaign promises, politicians should provide high-quality early childhood education which can have a long-lasting positive impact on a child’s development and future success
“They need to ensure that all children have access to a good education, regardless of their socio-economic background or where they live. This may involve implementing policies that target disadvantaged communities or providing additional resources to schools serving low-income students.
“There is a need to recognise the importance of education throughout an individual’s lifetime and support initiatives that provide opportunities for continuing education and training. This may involve supporting adult education programs or providing incentives for employers to offer training and development opportunities to their employees.
“Also, guaranteeing that teachers are well-trained and supported is key to improving the quality of education. Politicians can work to improve teacher recruitment, training, and retention to ensure that students have access to the best possible education,” she said.
Ebere stressed the need to expose disadvantaged students to technological aids to enhance their education.
“Technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing education, particularly for disadvantaged students who may not have access to the same resources as their peers. Politicians can support initiatives that provide technological resources to schools and teachers and ensure that students have access to reliable internet connectivity,” she added.