The Nigerian Academy of Education (NAE) has called for the Federal Government to cease directly managing of secondary schools across the country.
This proposal was made on Wednesday during the 38th Annual Congress in Abuja, where NAE President, Professor Kabiru Isyaku, highlighted the urgent need for reform in the education sector.
In his keynote address, Isyaku argued that the Federal Government’s direct involvement in secondary education is an anomaly. “The Federal Government, at this stage of the country’s development, should not be running secondary schools. Instead, it should focus solely on policy and quality assurance,” Isyaku said.
He suggested that the 115 Federal Government Colleges across Nigeria should be devolved to the states, with comprehensive conditions in place to ensure continued quality and oversight.
Isyaku’s call comes amid growing concerns about the inefficiencies and administrative challenges in the current system, where both the Federal and State Governments play overlapping roles in managing schools.
He noted that education, particularly at the secondary level, would benefit from clearer division of responsibilities. “The states are better equipped to manage these institutions, while the federal government can focus on setting policies, ensuring quality, and monitoring standards,” he added.
The proposal aligns with the NAE’s broader push for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s education system, which Isyaku described as being in a state of “decay.”
He called for a national review of the National Policy on Education, last updated more than a decade ago, and stressed the need for improved funding, infrastructure, and teacher remuneration.
The Academy also condemned the proliferation of educational institutions by both the Federal and State Governments, urging a moratorium on the establishment of new schools until current institutions are properly equipped and staffed.
Isyaku’s remarks were supported by keynote speaker Professor Alhas Maicibi Nok, who said that corruption and poor management of educational resources were contributing to the decline in quality. “The focus must shift to delivering education for knowledge, not just passing exams,” Nok stated, lamenting the rise of unethical practices like bribery for grades.
The Congress also saw the induction of 26 new members into the Academy and the elevation of three others to the Fellowship level.
Also, the Executive Secretary of TETFund was honored for his contributions to the development of Nigerian education.
