The President, Nigerian Academy of Letters, Prof. Sola Akinrinade, has lamented the decline in the quality of entrants into the Nigerian University System, while calling for urgent intervention to stem the worrying tide.
Akinrinade made this known in Abuja onTuesday at a policy review workshop on “Strengthening the Educational System in Nigeria Through STEAM”, organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science, Nigerian Academy of Letters, and the Nigerian Young Academy (NYA).
The event was sponsored by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Akinrinade argued that the standards at the basic and senior secondary levels had increased, contrary to popular belief that the decline was a result of lowered prescribed educational standards.
He said that the root of the problem lied in the implementation of standards.
He stressed the importance of comprehensive interventions in overcoming these challenges.
“The poor performance of Nigerian university entrants spans across disciplinary groups, making it evident that a holistic approach is required to address this multifaceted issue.
“Our problem has to do with the implementation of the standards, capacity for which has become suspect over the years.
“The poor performance transcends the boundaries of disciplinary groups hence, interventions such as ours must be holistic,” he said.
He said that the importance of STEAM education as a critical factor in the sustainable and inclusive development of a country could not be overemphasised.
According to him, properly implemented STEAM education encourages innovation, reduces poverty, and provides beneficiaries with the appropriate tools to improve their lives and those of others.
“If, through this intervention, we succeed in building alliances for the proper implementation of STEAM education at the basic and senior secondary levels in the country, we will have made a great investment in the lives of future generations of Nigerian youths.
“If we are going to achieve our objectives of building a knowledge-based economy through STEAM education, then we cannot discountenance the importance of proper policy planning.
“Great ideas such as this need proper planning for its implementation process to achieve its purpose. We need to focus on how to make STEAM relevant to our problems at both national and sub-national levels and it is meetings like this that we can aggregate perspectives and propose ways forward for us as a country.
“I therefore challenge every stakeholder involved, not just those present at this programme, to engage with the process,” he added.
The President emphasised the need for urgent and concerted efforts from all stakeholders to reverse the decline in the quality of entrants.
According to him, this alarming trend must be addressed promptly to ensure a prosperous future for Nigeria’s education system.
Also speaking, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar/Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB),
expressed delight at the auspicious timing of the educational revolution.
Represented by Prof. Olutayo Adesina, visiting professor of history, Oloyede emphasised the merits of adopting a holistic educational approach that combines scientific knowledge with artistic expression, ensuring a well-rounded education for the nation’s future leaders.
He said a key motivation behind this initiative was the global shift towards the fourth Industrial Revolution, characterised by rapid technological advancements.
He added that by fostering a strong foundation in STEAM subjects, Nigeria aims to equip its citizens with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“In June 2022, my office received a well-crafted application from the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) to the effect that JAMB should help in advancing the frontiers of knowledge through STEM Education.
” However, when the proposal went to the management, it was vigorously debated and the ultimate decision was that at this stage of our development, it is better to advance towards STEAM education.
“This counter-proposal was sent back to NAS and this was pleasantly accepted by both the Nigerian Academy of Science and the NAL.
“Hence today, we are witnessing the fruitful collaboration between the two leading academies thereby creating a platform for the Tripod of Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) and the Nigerian Young Academy (NYA).
