THE FIVE (5) TYPES OF EDUCATION NEEDED MOST IN NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION 

What will fetch Nigeria development rapidly is undoubtedly education, it will continue to be the bedrock and foundation of social development, although Nigeria has not made it a priority, based on existing realities. That is why the system and state of education in the country is quite unimpressive, because it is unable to produce desired or expected result. Nigeria is not a literate society, but records a high rate of school enrollment, and low rate of illiteracy, which is a direct opposite to having or obtaining positive result. Making a reference to a related post titled "THE DEVELOPED COUNTRY NIGERIA WISH TO BE" can elaborately support the above assertion.

In light of the above, with emphasis on placing priority on needs, the five (5) types of education needed most in Nigeria, which can instigate or stir up the needed structural changes are extensively discussed below:

1. MORAL EDUCATION 

The spate of decadence in Nigeria is quite worrisome, it draws attention to non-existing or ineffectiveness in socializing morals especially by children and youths population of the country - for more clarity on this, a related post titled "WHAT EDUCATION IS NOT!" will throw more light. This cannot be dissociated from the high rate of corruption especially bribery, insecurity, examination fraud, electoral fraud, human trafficking, smuggling especially fake or imitating products, nepotism and favouritism, etc. intractably prevalent in the country. It is quite unfortunate that if the alarming rate of decadence is not arrested on time, it could plunge the country into perpetual and irredeemable state of anarchy. For instance, it is disturbing witnessing the spread of kidnapping and the confidence exuding by kidnappers in demanding for Ransome from kidnapped relatives, inundating pages of national dailies, on a daily basis, in Nigeria. The fear of citizens becoming so used to such tensed situation, as it is gradually gaining ground, raises thought provoking and viable measures on the redemption expectation, which could translate into rectitude required in building a better society. As the 2027 General Elections is approaching, citizens and particularly, eligible voters, can adopt this as a yardstick or parameter in making their choice of leaders, since morality is quite essential in social development.

2. VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION 

Vocational and technical education is not well appreciated in Nigeria as a result of erroneous and misconstrued orientation and attitude towards grammar and secretariat education, handed down from the colonial era. It has made Nigerians confirmed to belief and reality that going to school or having education will lead one to working in an office, probably in a secretariat, else your schooling will be regarded as a complete waste of resources. This attitude has made people who possess vocational skills to be regarded as uneducated, whereas it is not so in other countries. This is the paradigm that should be shifted - i.e. change in ways of thinking and doing things, in order to combat the high rate of unemployment in the country. What really is education? Is it all about speaking grammar and carrying big books? Are people who have vocational and technical education not educated? Nigerians must answer this question and become conversant with the truth, so that the change in attitude can occur.

3. POLITICAL (CIVIC/CITIZENSHIP) EDUCATION 

Whatever happens in the state (political system) is regarded as political, based on the classical understanding of the concept politics. A political scientist, Robert Dahl, has made people to understand that the consequences of politics is, unavoidable and inescapable, since the concept is an unavoidable fact of human existence. In other words, if man or human is taken out of the society, politics will cease to exist, supporting the statement credited to Aristotle: "Man by nature, is a political animal". Referring to a related post titled "POLITICS MISCONSTRUED" will provide more insight on the subject of discourse. In this regard, there is need for citizens to acquire political education, in order to understand better the political system, including it's processes such as decision making which will translate into public policy, and its consequences are common to all the citizens regardless of class or status, level of education, sex, religion, tribe or race, etc. The acquisition of knowledge about the state and government by citizens, is a big plus and highly advantageous since government is the main driver of social change, the chances of citizens instigating significant changes in the society will be high - however, illiteracy and ignorance, among other factors, are the reasons such is not occuring in Nigeria. The government has recognized this fact, that is why political education known as 'civic or citizenship education' is made a compulsory subject or course across all tiers of education in the country, although it is not producing desired and significant result.

In a society citizens are politically educated, government could hardly become arbitrary, tyrannical, oppressive, or repressive, the quote of Paul Valery "If the state is strong, it crushes us. If it is weak, we perish", lends credence to the above assertion. Such society records high level of political participation and inclusion, because by their capacity and knowledge based, they can hold government accountable, when there is abuse of power. Part of the political (civic/citizenship) education is the understanding of the law, which make the citizens responsible and law-abiding, which usually leads to orderly, stable and secure society, since crimes will drastically reduce, while political stability will be guaranteed.

4. FINANCIAL EDUCATION 

The rationale behind financial education is for citizens to incubate the attitude of prudent management of their finances/resources, in order to avoid waste, mismanagement, poverty and low standard of living. So many people have the capacity to make money, but do not have the capacity to judiciously manage it, which at the end of the day, could be classified among the category of citizens below the poverty line ($2:15) in Nigeria. It is also concerned with making choices and taking critical and rational decisions in business and investment, since they must have grappled with the understanding of the financial system and business environment. If Nigerians are well educated financially, it will certainly translate into high standard of living (SOL) in the country.

5. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOY (ICT) EDUCATION 

The predominant revolution in technology which has been recorded in the past century in information and communication conspicuously depicts the massive giant stride in the development of a model global communication, which has made the world a global village. For example, information which used to take weeks and months before delivery and receiving of feedback, now travels at the speed of light, regardless of distance. That aspect of communication which now happens instantly or without delay, speaks volume about the magnificent innovations in the information and communication age. It makes relations and businesses across all levels of human endeavour easier and faster, reduces to a large extend barriers and inconveniences in the complex inter-dependent societies, be it governments, private organizations, or individuals, within and across national boundaries. Now, the necessity for ICT education in Nigeria is stemmed from its indispensable functions or roles it plays in the complex inter-dependent world,  which ICT is the driving force. Put differently, Nigeria and by extension, the world, cannot function effectively and efficiently today, without information and communication technology (ICT). It has interconnected all sectors of the Nigerian society, in a way that their existence and functionality, largely depend on it. The advanced innovations in ICT in the banking and financial sector, which has considerably helped in combating financial crimes and restore trust and confidence on Nigerians towards banking and investment, is a significant milestone. Gone are the days financial institutions would fold up unnoticeably and escape without trace, while customers will be unable to recover their assets. Look at the introduction of Bank Verification Number (BVN) with finger print identification and the critical roles it is playing in the banking sector and the economy. Similar feat is recorded across all sectors of the Nigerian society, including the government.

CONCLUSION 

Education will never cease to be the foundation and bedrock of development in the society, the need it should be pursued vigorously. To get this executed effectively, the need based approach should be adopted, in order to avoid misplaced priority and mismanagement associated with the pursuit of too many or multifarious goals. The necessity for the five (5) types of education needed most in Nigeria, arises from the usual misplacement of priority witnessing in the country. If this is effectively put into consideration, it can fetch Nigeria development rapidly.

EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION 

Education is greatly misunderstood in Nigeria, that is why it is not producing effective or meaningful result, the way it ought to. Ideally, education should be the foundation or bedrock of sustainable development, but if the foundation laying is not paid adequate attention to, or overlooked, like what is playing out in Nigeria today, efforts made towards development will be amounted to a sinking sand, which lacks base, support and sustainability. In the previous post, "What Education Is Not!" which explicitly explains and mirrors exactly what is holding sway in Nigeria, in the name of education. It also exposes in details what Nigerians are running after, which is mainly not what education is all about. It is indeed a true reflection of how education has been misconstrued, Nigerians have left out the major and ignorantly pursuing the minor, hence the need for re-invention of the meaning and understanding of the subject, and re-orientation on what it is basically concerned with, so that Nigeria will begin to derive bountiful yields from the it. 

By education in Nigeria, it is referred to the system and state which education is, being in appalling and deplorable condition, needing critical intervention for optimal performance and productivity.

DEFINITION OF EDUCATION 

Though the concept of education may vary from people to people, place to place, and from time to time, as widely acknowledged by scholars. According to E. N. Etuk and others, in a book titled "Curriculum: The Basics of Planning and Implementation" the concept is seen generally as "The sum total of all the processes by which members of the society acquire the desired knowledge, skills, attitude, and other capabilities which enable them to live effectively and contribute positively to the development of the global community". Beyond socialization, which is quite pronounced and outstanding about education, it is also defined as the formation of character and the development of cognitive and mental capacity or prowess of a man, which enables members of the society to be responsible, civil and law-abiding, as well as possessing the capacity to be highly productive, because of their skilled labour status which is necessitated by developed cognitive capacity, and effectiveness in contributing  to the socio-economic development. For more insight on n the subject being discussed, refer to a related post titled "WHAT EDUCATION IS!"

THE STATE OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA 

The state or condition of education in Nigeria is unimpressive, basically as a result of government's lack of seriousness in responding to educational needs and wrong impression, misconception and poor attitude of Nigerians towards education. The resultant effect of these acts is the low yield or inefficient result it has been producing over the years. If the state of education in Nigeria has been producing significant result, the country would have achieved development long ago. The statement necessitates or buttress the fact that, there exists a significant relationship between education and development, while its ineffectiveness has led the country to a state of decay, decadence, corruption, immortality, incivility, underdevelopment, etc.

THE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

This is concerned basically with the manner and method Nigeria is fashioning its educational system, which naturally ought to be distinct and tailored towards meeting or solving existing social needs. It involves the method of designing and implementing educational system in the country, cutting across curriculum design, standard and welfare of teachers, method of teaching, students' performance appraisal and examination system, etc. These items outlined above are what constitute the deplorable and dilapidated state of education in Nigeria. The chief among them being poor curriculum design on which many other items are anchored or inter-connected, if adequately addressed, can go along way in tackling the problems of Nigeria, because it ought to be dove-tailed or tailored towards existing needs of the country.

PROBLEMS OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA 

1. Wrong Impression, Misconception and Poor Attitude of Nigerians Towards Education

Education in Nigeria is incapacitated, and lacks what it takes to produce meaningful result because of the poor attitude of Nigerians. They see or regard education from the perspective of poverty alleviaton and rich-quick programme, instead of seeing it, first and foremost, as a process of character formation and cognitive development needed to solve social problems. That is why many have passed through school, but the school did not pass through them - it is the reason there is high rate of graduates and low rate of educated graduates. This poor perception or attitude of Nigerians is the root cause of prevalent examination malpractices, because the paramount reason for going to school is to pass examination with flying colours, obtain or acquire impressive credentials or certificate that will give an edge in the labour market (employment opportunities), it is definitely what education is mainly not. Because education has failed in its responsibility of moulding and forming character, corruption and decadence have become the order of the day. This problem needs to be adequately addressed for education to become the bedrock of development in the Nigerian society.

2. Poor Curriculum Design 

The inability of government and the relevant stakeholders to dove-tail or tailor curriculum towards existing social realities, which will involve a need based pattern of education to effectively diagnose and provide prognosis to social problems in Nigeria. That total disconnect and absence of school curriculum speaking to the needs of the country, is the issue that if well addressed, can reposition the country's educational system to be a need based system, instead of being just a conventional system for socializing same old idea.

3. Uniformity in the System of Education 

Unequivocally, education varies from people to people, place to place, and time to time, since Nigeria is a multi-diverse, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic, plural and heterozygous society, having uniformity in the system of education is a complete counter-productive. This is why education in the country is not yielding desired and effective result. If the country succeeds in practicing ideal federalism, which according to K. C. Where "...the general and the regional governments are each, within a sphere, coordinate and independent", where the regions (states) will have self-rule that will enable them legislate on educational matters and design their various curriculums in a manner that is unique and peculiar to their local needs and aspirations, independent of the general government, and also share rules with them (Federal Government), on mostly internationally related issues or items such as the immigration, customs, economy, foreign affairs, defence, etc., education in Nigeria would certainly be productive. What the country has presently, is a superimposed system, which is absolutely a misnomer.

4. Colonial Heritage 

Nigeria is yet to completely purged itself from the colonial system of education handed down from independence in 1960. The system which is dove-tailed towards secretariat and office employment known as 'white collar job' has become outdated and old-fashion. That attitude exhibiting by Nigerians is not in tandem with the prevailing reality in the country, given the pronounced change in the socio-economic culture of country. Now, the way forward or the new way of thinking and doing things vis-a-vis employment and means of livelihood (MOL) is entrepreneurship and self-employment. Unfortunately, our educational systems and specifically the curriculum, is not dove-tailed or tailored towards this new socio-economic reaity. Therefore, change in the attitude of Nigerians is quite imperative in order to come to terms with the fact that, aside from 'white collar jobs', there is existence of 'other collar jobs', it could be blue, green, yellow, brown, black, etc. which they must key in, by discarding the colonial heritage or attitude, in terms of the educational culture in the country.

5. Leadership Gaps/Policy Inconsistency 

To have significant breakthrough in education, Nigeria must solve its leadership gap, which is also a factor of policy inconsistency. The country is in serious need of leaders (especially during this election cycle, as events are building up towards the 2027 General Elections - with redemption and emancipation expectation in sight for citizens to mainstream) who are visionary, service delivery minded, and have the foresight in interpreting programmes, being in terms with prevailing realities, in order to guarantee sustainability which is the hallmark of policy consistency. Bringing this into existence is a sure way of ensuring that effectsive leadership can considerably contribute in solving the myriad of problems facing education in Nigeria.

THE WAY FORWARD ON EDUCATION IN NIGERIA 

The way forward to solving the problems of education in Nigeria is to redefine, reinvent and fine-tune the meaning and understanding of education, to completely erase the misconception and wrong impression, in order to mitigate the poor attitude of Nigerians on what education is not!, by dove-tailing it with, or to reflect the existing social realities, in a manner which will instigate attitudinal re-orientation, for high efficiency and productivity, against the backdrop of this current state which the result is counter-productive, as it is not sufficiently solving the country's problems and not also leading it on the path of development, the way it ought to.

WHAT EDUCATION IS!

It was the former Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the Fourth Republic i.e. from 1999, DR CHUBA OKADIGBO (LATE), who made this famous remark in his political speech below: "If you are emotionally attached to your tribe, religion or political leaning to the point that truth become secondary consideration, your education is useless. Your exposure is useless. If you cannot reason beyond petty sentiments, you are a liability to mankind". The quote provides a great insight on the invaluable and indispensable nature of education in the society. The misunderstanding of the subject informed a related post titled "What Education Is Not!", which explains in details what many pursue in the name of education, ignorantly leaving out the 'main thing'. Identifying and elucidating that main thing, is the crux of this piece, where practical understanding of the subject is made simplified.

Now, the big question is, what does education mean? Away from the usual bogus theories which may not always be in tandem with existing social realities, how can its practical understanding be illuminated in a way that will reflect the ideals and essence of the subject. Education ideally, is concerned with the following, and shifting away from them, perhaps to what education is mainly not, is a complete digression and a total misnomer:

1. The character.

2. The mind (cognitive or mental state).

Education may be defined simply as socialization or learning socialization, which means the transfer of knowledge from one era to another. In other words, the act of transferring the knowledge is learning. Education can also be defined as cultivating or learning the norms, conformity and standards of the society. It can also be viewed from the perspective of imbibing social maturity, social adjustment, and social tolerance. Making reference to a related post titled "THE IMPORTANCE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION", will offer more insight on the subject.

THE THREE (3) BASIC ASPECTS EDUCATION CAN BE VISIBLY PROVED

1. Education As Socialization (Learning and Transferring of Knowledge)

An important aspect of education is acquisition of knowledge. It is the knowledge acquired, when put to use or effectively applied, that the mind will experience development, leading also to reshaping and remolding of character. It is on this basis, an individual can be said to be educated, learned or literate - in a related post titled "THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A LITERATE (EDUCATED) SOCIETY", a well detailed explanation is provided, that can help to understand better how character formation or development affects the society.

2. Education As Character Formation/Character Development.

Character formation or development signifies that education has succeeded in reshaping and rebuilding character in such a manner that the personality and temperament of an individual become thoroughly bred, well trained, and well cultured in a manner that will express willingness in conforming to social norms, making an individual responsible and law-abiding citizen, which the multi-plier effects are orderliness, peaceful co-existence, and social stability.

3. Education As Cognitive/Mental Development 

The mind is trained, developed, and become useful in the society, by thinking, reasoning and acting differently, in a positive, responsible, disciplined, and cultured manner. Such developed mind can significantly contribute to social development, because of the effective and efficient capacity in solving social problems.

THE BENEFITS OF EDUCATION 

The aim of education is to remould, reform, rebuild, reshape and develop a man, which in turn, will build the society. What does it build or develop? The mind (cognitive or mental state) and character. So, outside the man, education is totally meaningless and non existing. Referring to a related post titled "THE TWO KEY DEHINING FEATURES OF EDUCATION" will provide better insight in understanding the break down of the benefits of education below:

1. TO THE INDIVIDUALS 

At this level, education provides personal development, which is basically concerned with cognitive or mental development, and character formation. The resultant or multi-plier effects of these are quite enormous, including having memory capacity to accommodate ideas, being responsible and law-abiding citizens, adequate exposure, being upright and truthful, liberal and open-minded, civil, cultured, disciplined, humane, because the education acquired has succeeded in transforming the cognitive state and character, into a refined person. The proof is the change in the way of thinking, reasoning and doing things, considerably refining individual's perspective and world view.

Another aspect of the benefits of education at the individual level is the knowledge, skills acquired, and capacity built that will enhance employability of individuals. When an individual is gainfully employed, his standard of living (SOL) in the society will be raised.

2. TO THE SOCIETY 

At this level, education is aimed at orchestrating social development. When a society records a highly significant number of educated, learned, or literate citizens, it becomes classified as a literate society, and the benefits of such society are quite enormous. First, it will witness high standard of living (SOL), because of the highly skilled labour status of citizens, which is a big plus or advantage in the labour market. Imagine the standard of living (SOL) of highly skilled ICT experts who are involved in the development of various software applications and blockchain? 

Secondly, education guarantees a liberal society, where citizens are enlightened and well informed, always seeking to establish a society equality, freedom and justice thrives, an essential ingredients needed to achieve social development. A literate society is one citizens, by virtue of the formal and modern system of education which adopts scientific methodology in seeking to establish and maintain absolute knowledge or absolute truth, are upright, truthful and honest. Above all, education produces responsible and law-abiding citizens through which peaceful, orderly, secure and stable society is guaranteed - another essential ingredient of social development. Finally, an enlightened and well informed society is one with politically active citizens, and high number of politically exposed persons (PEP), in terms of participation, adequate political inclusion and appreciation of government's programmes (public policies), which results in having high maintenance culture.

THE TWO KEY DEFINING FEATURES OF EDUCATION

 Education, especially formal, should not be toyed with by any society, due to its indispensability and vital role in social development - this is an undisputed fact. It was on this basis, a classical philosopher, Plato, made assumption that the philosopher kings (those who should rule), should be put in a dormitory by government (the state) for more than three decades (about 35 years), to receive sound education that will build their character, capacity and prepare them for task of leadership ahead; the assertion was made in an attempt at philosophising an ideal society. His philosophy was interpreted to mean that, since leadership is very tasking, requiring a highly cognitive prowess (intelligence), sound knowledge, high or sound moral values and standard (character), there was need for future leaders (the philosopher kings) to be highly trained through a sound system of education, in preparation for leadership responsibilities.

Today, such system ought to be made for all and sundry, in order to have a better society, since the subject in question, is unarguably the bedrock of development. Education generally, is a concept that is extremely necessary for two purposes (essence), namely personal development and social development.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 

(I) Enlightenment and exposure

To enable one have informed and balanced view about life, is what education, first and foremost, offers people, specifically formal education. It helps to erode erroneous beliefs and misconceptions by sanitizing the minds to think logically, rationally and scientifically, as the case may be. Education has made people to know that ideas cannot be accepted hook, line and sinker without questioning, unlike before where unreliable knowledge would gain speedy acceptance, such knowledge cannott stand a test of time now. In view of the above, it builds liberal and broad minded individuals who can easily accept as well as defend the truth, no matter how difficult it is. They willingly, by virtue of their training, get involved in strengthening liberty in the society, that is why freedom, equality and justice which are strong recipes for a stable, orderly and egalitarian society, are parts of their character traits, and essential ingredients that translate into social cohesion, growth and development. Remarkably, the adoption of scientific process in inquiry, resulting in absolute truth/knowledge is an established method which is valid, not skewed and very reliable - meaning that knowledge gained from such process can stand a test of time. Nowadays, education has made us not to believe what has not been empirically tested, proven and logically verified.

The enlightenment and exposure to absolute truth makes education invaluable social concept and incredible instrument for the pursuit of sustainable development, because it will erode illiteracy, an indispensable index of development. Therefore, having a literate society is likened to an express way devoid of potholes and traffick jam; that could have orchestrated hindrances, while a smooth, safe and speedy ride is guaranteed.

(ii) Employment (Means of Livelihood - MOL)

Education enables one to have access to employment opportunities, in the area of one's specialty or expertise, be it vocational and technical education or conventional/formal education for semi-skilled and skilled labour. It helps to create capacity to solve problems by applying the skills acquired which in turn, will enable one earn a living comfortably. When the social problem of unemployment is solved, it will create multi-plier effects that will touch or affect other aspects of social life including average income per head, standard of living (SOL), gross domestic products (GDP), national productivity, etc.

So, on the personal basis, from the context of employment or means of livelihood (MOL), education appears to be a formidable factor which the society ought to pay critical attention to, not just school enrollment and acquisition of certificates. Going back to the basis is extremely needful, in order to really have sound and we'll informed idea about the subject, in a way that will stir up a paradigm shift. This advocacy is timely, considering the abysmal failure and fallen standard of education, which perhaps should be largely blamed on misconception. 

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 

The first aspect of social development is when the character has been well developed, i.e. possessing high and sound moral values and standard, capable of making one interact responsibly, being law-abiding to ensure order and stability is guaranteed in the society. This is what ideal education affords people. Secondly, when social problems are critically tackled and addressed adequately, it contributes to growth and development of the society. Education especially at the higher level is basically aimed at researching and providing solutions to social problems.

Moreover, the existence or occurrence of personal development, has multi-plier and attendant effects on social development. For example, employment is an indicator of personal development which helps to reduce unemployment, a social problem, situated within the social development aspect, and which in turn, affects social indices such as average income per head and standard of living (SOL), gross domestic products (GDP), etc.

WHAT EDUCATION IS NOT!

 The meaning and essence of education have been greatly misconstrued and misunderstoo in Nigeria.This clearly explains why the country and its citizens have not derived maximum benefits from it, the way it ought to. It is indeed a great concern, given the critical role education plays in the society. The subject has undoubtedly brought significant revolution to many societies across the globe - the reason it is usually described as the bedrock of development in the society. This means that any country planning for development must first start from the foundation, which is education. Outside this, meaningful and sustainable development cannot take place. Could this be the reason Nigeria is not developed after many decades of attempt? Shouldn't it be a good idea to go back to the drawing board, to verify if the foundation (education) is well laid, considering its inability to produce effective result? The digression may be found within the misconception of the subject, which every subsequent efforts would be counter-productive.

In view of the above, it is pertinent to critically x-ray the associated or surrounding challenges of the subject, especially by elucidating and broadening the scope of understanding, in order to place it on a sound and proper pedestal that will lead to yielding desired or expected result. On this note, starting with what the subject is not mainly concerned with, would help to provide adequate guide that will enable the understanding of what it is about.

WHAT EDUCATION IS NOT!

1. EDUCATION IS NOT MAINLY ABOUT ACQUISITION OF CERTIFICATES 

It may sound unreasonable in a way, but it is true. Over-emphasis on certificates above competence and skills is a prominent issue that characterizes Nigeria's educational system, making a lot of Nigerians believe that education is all about enrolling in school to acquire certificates. This attitude largely contributes to the alarming rate of examination malpractice in the country, pushing students to go to extra length to acquire certificates without possessing education, which has further reduced the standard/quality of education. it has guaranteed many false hope if being educated, simply because of the certificates acquired. This can also be attributed to the reason a lot of graduates are incompetent, unskilled, and under-employed - because they are incapable of defending the knowledge and certificates acquired in school. In this situation, they become unproductive and huge burden to the society, against the backdrop of what education in real or ideal sense represents. Education is definitely more than certificates; certificates are merely testament or a proof of one's education. Now, the issue is how people manage to acquire the testament without the main thing - education?

2. EDUCATION IS NOT MAINLY ABOUT COMMUNICATING IN ENGLISH EFFECTIVELY (SPEAKING GRAMMAR).

Many Nigerians view education in this manner - if one is able to speak or communicate effectively in English, he or she is regarded as educated. Whereas, such people may be lagging or have deep gap in character. However, this doesn't also mean that the educated should be found wanting in effective communication. This alone does not make one educated; it is not also a top priority in education mix. Therefore, as much as one cannot be educated without effective communication, it should be clearly expressed that education is far more than effective communication.

3. EDUCATION IS NOT MAINLY ABOUT HAVING GOOD MEMORY TO ACCOMMODATE IDEAS

Having good memory alone does not make one educated. Many have got this but continue to live wayward, unprincipled and irresponsible life. Such people do not create impact or contribute in solving social problems, because ideas/knowledge acquired from having good memory have not affected their characters or passed through them effectively. That is why they claim to be educated, yet are very corrupt, not law-abiding and cannot defend or stand firm on the side of the truth and justice. From inception, educated people are known for being upright, truthful and honest; they fightor pursue the course for a just society - the reason it is said that education is the bedrock of development, because where educated people exist, social equality will be guaranteed, while social discrimination will be eliminated. What they represent or stand for in the society are basic ingredients (justice, equality, freedom and stability) that will help accelerate development. If those components are lacking, development will continues to elude the country.

4. EDUCATION IS NOT MAINLY ABOUT SCHOOL ENROLMENT 

Many people in Nigeria have earned the name 'uneducated graduate', probably because they only passed through school while the school did not pass through them. They got school enrollment but unfortunately, nothing was built or cultivated in them to justify their enrollment. It is not all about seeing the four walls of a school, the question is what can you d?, How has your reasoning been affected? How have your world view, values and perspective been affected, in relation to social expectations? Having excellent attendance and rprobably esults do not directly translate to character formation, it is only a fulfilment and a process that will result into the character formation. So, Nigerians should not claim being educated for having school enrollment, the misconception should be erased - I mean the myopia iwhich is part of the reason the country is very backward.

5. EDUCATION IS NOT MAINLY ABOUT PASSING EXAMINATION WITH FLYING COLOURS

Many have continued to argue that examination is not a true test of knowledge. is it also believed that it is a true test of character? Through examination, many have passed the knowledge test, but continually fail the character test, because their knowledge only exist in the brain, perhaps as a result of having good memory; not being internalized in the sub-consciousness, in a way that will change or affect the character, in line with social norms. Education is much more than passing examination excellently and recording school enrollment.

WHAT THEN IS EDUCATION?

If education is the bedrock of development in the society, and there exists a misunderstanding on the subject, there is a serious need to re-invent the wheels, in order to trigger a paradigm shift and attitudinal re-orientation that will help in steering the course of sustainable development which education provides. people must know what education is ideally all about. Because outside that, standard of education cannot be discussed and measured successfully - how will one determine the standard of something they barely know? Does question like why are certificates usually issued as testament for finding graduates worthy in character and learning stir up or stimulate curiosity? This is an indicative of the fact that the subject of discourse is basically concerned with two main things, which include:

1. Education is socialization (learning and transfer of knowledge)

The transfer of customers and tradition including social norms, existing body of knowledge, e.g. Agriculture, Biology, Government, etc; skills and technologies, that will enable one understand and appreciate the society better, and to be able to use same in solving it's problems/challenges in other words, the knowledge acquired and used for social good is what education is. For emphasis, Nigerians should know that education is acquired for the purpose of understanding better the working of the social system or the working of an aspect of the social system, in the case of higher education which one only focuses on a branch of knowledge. It cures ignorance and makes one well informed. Since a problem known is half solved, social problems become easier to solve for those who are well informed (the educated).

2. Education is character formation or character development.

The knowledge socialized or transferred should not only be stored in the brain, it should be well personalized and practicalized - to enable one conforms to Social institutions and system. It is impossible for people to conform to social norms if they have not been thoroughly taught (learning), for the knowledge to shape conduct and behavior; affects character accordingly, In order to become responsible citizens. The above is in agreement with the perspective which education is defined as learning or inculcating social norms, conformity and standard, as well as learning social maturity, social adjustment, and social tolerance. The sole aim of learning in this regard,  is for the purpose of solving social problems, be it at the personal/individual level, which is a unit or sub+set of the society, or at a larger scale. For instance, when one uses the knowledge and skills acquired to make ends meet (means of livelihood - MOL), the problem of unemployment is reduced, while average income per head and standard of living (SOL) are also positively affected, and the multi-plier effects keep expanding. On the whole, the ideal essence of education should be revisited by Nigerians, if it must be the bedrock of development.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION

 A lot of people lack knowledge and understanding about the importance of having tertiary education. The myopia of looking at life and success only from the angle or perspective of material possession further aggravates the situation, leading to gradual loosing of the essence of the existence of institution of higher learning. Considering our predominant or prevalent social values - which is materialism- that has become a huge jeopardy in understanding what ought to be, informed the writing of this piece. The critical concern is the alarming rate people have forgotten the ideal essence of tertiary education, and myopically pursuing a mirage - I.e. the unweavery and deep seated attitude and orientation that, acquiring university education helps people escape poverty, amass wealth and elevates one's social status, which is part of what education is not. Unfortunately, this is regarded as a key factor responsible for incompetence and mediocrity, leading to over - reliance  and unnecessary promotion of paper qualifications (credentials), over competence, creativity and discovery, as we used to have in the past. In other words, it is no longer a citadel of learning, research, and a veritable ground for building or cultivating sound social or moral values, that will help in building development in the society.

Now, the question that should help solve this serous misnomer is: why do people really enrol for or pursue tertiary education? Or what is the main or ideal essence of having tertiary education? The answer, no doubt, will help straighten the record and erase every misunderstanding and ignorance surrounding the subject of discourse.

1. LEARNING OR ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE 

Tertiary education makes people highly learned and educated. Learned people are those who have been well socialized, and have adequately cultivated the norms, conformity, and standard of the society.These set of people have also imbibed social maturity, social adjustment and social tolerance - making them responsible and law-abiding citizens Maintenance of order, peace and stability become possible when a society is predominantly made up of learned or educated people - this is extensively explained in a related post titled "THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A LITERATE (EDUCATED) SOCIETY".

2. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 

Tertiary education is development oriented, because it is geared towards conducing research with the aim of solving existing social problems; mainly through discoveries and invention - beyond patriotism acquired from civic or citizenship studies - that is why the educated are more development oriented than the uneducated. Their knowledge, experience, exposure, etc. are great advantage to the subject of comparison. And, it clearly supports why they are more culture, responsible, and law-abiding - factors responsible for peaceful co-existence, order and stability in the society. These serve as precursors or ingredients for rapid development in the society.

3. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 

Tertiary education helps in building generally acceptable values, virtues, and ethics (morals) that guide individual's conduct and lifestyle, in all sphere of human endeavour, in order to help them secure a successful living. Successful liviv in this context, involves strictly abiding by existing social norms, which certainly can contribute to personal success in life. Do not forget, prisoners and most cases, ex convicts do not live successful life in the society. It also builds the mind or intellect, sharpens horizon, reasoning and understanding, as well as enhancing cognitive prowess. Tertiary education helps develop skills and capacity that will enable sustainable means of livelihood, to excel after graduation - that is why graduates, in an ideal situation, should not complain about unemployment, because the cognitive and intellectual development and capacity building acquired, make them highly skilled sub-set of a country's work force, which can enable them solve complex social problems, making them highly sought after, in the labour market.

In summary, decadence has created so much vacuum in our society today, hence the reason for witnessing absolute digression from what it ought to be, including the essence of tertiary education. It becomes needful to advocate the return to the basis in this regard. Therefore, acquiring tertiary education should first and foremost be seen from the perspective of building the society, and not exploiting it.

NELFUND DISBURSEMENT TO IGNITIUS UTURU UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in line with Students Loan Act (2024),  charged with the responsibility of granting interest free loan to tertiary institutions' students from poor homes, has made another batch of disbursement, to IGNITIUS UTURU UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, Rivers State, Nigeria, for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The break down of the disbursement made public is as follows:

Total Amount Disbursed: 809,325,700

Students covered: 4,649

THE MAIN CONCERN 

The fear of not working within the specified policy framework. 

The outrageous number of the benefitting students should be a major concern to the officials and the government, considering the well spelt out category of students who should be considered - students from poor or indigent families who are unable to afford tertiary education, not those who can afford but decide to beat the system in order to benefit from the usual Nigerian mentality of regarding the programme as government largesse, without intention of paying back.

Question arising:

What is the yardstick for determining beneficiaries? 

If this modality is not set, unreasonable or outrageous number of students will indicate interest, including those who can afford tertiary education in the country.

THE PROBLEM OF DATA IN NIGERIA 

Because of the poor attitude of citizens towards government's programmes or public policy, citizens who are fond of expressing the no-man's business, reckless, non-challant, and indiscriminate attitude, will stop at nothing in ensuring the programme is not implemented as specified, because they see public policy as something that is meant to be taken advantage of, not something that should be protected or well guarded for the general interest of the public. Therefore, if the parameters for selection of eligible beneficiaries are not well specified and strictly followed to the letters, it will definitely record outrageous number of beneficiaries (including high number of those who can afford tertiary education). That will be a big question to data credibility, in terms of the rate of poverty in the country. Therefore, if the programme lacks monitoring mechanism in selecting appropriate beneficiaries, conflict of data is bound to occur. This has been the general problem in the country, and for such to be arrested and addressed on time, government will have to interven effectively, so that the goal of the programme will not be defeated, and the country will not churn out skewed data. If this is acted as recommended, the image of the country in the global community will be salvaged.

REPAYMENT PLAN

Repayment plan is part and parcel of the sustainability plans, so that it will go round for more or new beneficiaries to have their turns. As usual, the Nigerian mentality is what should be fought tooth and nail, for the success of the programme, typical Nigerians see public policy as something that is meant to be taken advantage of, not something that should be protected or well guarded for the general interest of the public.

The NELFUND repayment plan has been well specified by the administrators of the programme, it has also began to record graduate beneficiaries who will soon throng the labour market. The big question that continues to stare us in the face is, do Nigerians truly ready to change their attitudes towards government's programmes like this? Are the beneficiaries willing and ready to comply strictly with the repayment plan after graduation? Not having intention of beating the system, because it amounts to shooting themselves in the leg. That is the concerned issue that should be addressed if sustainable, reliable and rewarding system must be built - no two ways about it.

SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

Will the programme ends with the administration of the incumbent president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that originated it? We cannot forget so soon other projects like this from the previous administrations. The Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, otherwise known as the youth investment bank, N-Power, etc. cannot be overlooked when situating the problem of lack of continuity of government's programmes. It is now like a norm for leaders to come in with their fresh plans, jettisons the plans of their predecessor, while the ones he brought in will be discontinued or jettisoned by his successor. And it goes on and on and on. When shall we learn lesson that government is continum.

To this end, the need arises for strengthening plans to sustain the programme, so that it will not be discontinued like others. Regardless of the cons or disadvantages, establishment of Bank of Education (BOE) is needful, to be able to coordinate and steer the programme successfully. If there are existing specialized banks such as Bank of Industry (BOI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), etc. why not Bank of Education (BOE) too, considering its central role in the society: being the bedrock of development.

THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A LITERATE (EDUCATED) SOCIETY

A literate society is one which is composed of or made up of vast majority of citizens who are highly educated. This signifies that such society has a very high number of population of citizens who have been thoroughly trained in a well structured and sound educational system, and they are both academically and morally sound, competent and enlightened. They constitute percentage of population who are well informed, well read, well learned and knowledgeable about the society. A literate society and educated society mean almost the same thing and can be used interchangeably.

Having a literate society is the surest and fastest way of achieving sustainable development, such that the citizens will become highly fulfilled for attaining their goal of happiness which is the ultimate quest of every man. It is a kind of a society class related issues are taken into consideration, security of lives and property of it's citizens are guaranteed. The Middle East War involving America, Israel and Iran, that witnessed great destruction of lives and property is not a type that can guarantee citizens the kind of life being described. So many were displaced and made homeless, while economic life of the people was disrupted. What are the manifestations? Hunger and abject poverty.

As stated in previous posts, the benefits of having a literate society are quite enormous, including having a lawful, stable and orderly society, adequate political inclusion through having informed, enlightened and politically active citizens in terms of participation and engagement (politically exposed persons - PEP), and appreciation of government's programmes (public policy), which results in having high maintenance culture - what Nigeria is seriously lacking at the moment. Another benefit of a literate society is having highly moral and upright citizens,  (because formal and modern education through the adoption of scientific methodology, seeks to always establish and maintain absolute truth, that is how the character of calling a spade a spade is formed), as well as seeking to maintain the liberty of citizens, by ensuring their freedom and equality of all and sundry are well protected - an essential ingredients needed to achieve development in the society.

On the whole, in a literate society, citizens are civil, cultured, moral, disciplined, upright, humane and non-barbaric.

SOME IDENTIFIABLE QUALITIES OF A LITERATE SOCIETY 

High productivity 

The rate of productivity in a literate society is quite higher than societies that are not literate. Prominently, literate societies have citizens who are highly skilled and understand the socio-economic system better. This knowledge helps them explore and exploit economic opportunities which ordinarily the uneducated or those who are not literate cannot do. Their skills guarantee efficiency and speedy results, which add surplus to production. The explanation is reflected in the earning scales of citizens - most often than not, vast majority of literate citizens earn above the poverty line, while the non-literate citizens earn below the poverty line, which is currently pegged at $2:15 per day (April 2025).

High standard of living 

When productivity is high, Standard of living will definitely be high, because there is a great relationship between both. Poverty rate is reduced to the bearest minimum in literate societies as a result of maintaining high moral values, including hard work, plus the advantage of sharpened and sophisticated skills contributing to high efficiency in productivity. When citizens earn more money, their socio-economic status will definitely go higher. Unlike a society that is not literate, mostly in developing countries, which are being characterize by low average income per head, because the citizens are mostly unskilled and limited in knowledge.

Income redistribution and income equality 

In literate societies, citizens strive to bridge the gap between the lower end the upper class, because of the standard set for themselves. For example, according to the World Bank Report, about 160 million Nigerians are living in poverty in Nigeria, a break down of the figure reveals that a very large percentage of the population are citizens who are not educated or literate. Many reasons can be deducted for this, including lack of financial education, financial indiscipline, inadequate knowledge about the economy, and how the socio-econonic system works. It is hardly to see uneducated or illiterate citizens talking about or investing in the stock exchange market and other top business enterprises that involves lots of paperwork and huge capital. They are highly limited in knowledge, which is a leading factor of their low socio-economic stutus. It was a British philosopher, Rene Descartes who said that, "knowledge is power". Therefore, if citizens are highly knowledgeable, it is a precursor for restructuring and redistribution of income in the society.

High political participation and political culture

Less abuse of powers is recorded because activities of government are being checked by citizens, owing to their enlightened and well informed status about the society, the reason they can easily hold government to account. A society that is well literate, government do not take citizens for granted. Like a British historian, Lord Acton, said "power corrupt, absolute power corrupt absolutely", and in support to this, is a famous quote by Paul Valery, "if the state is strong, it crushes us. If it is weak, we perish", underscoring the need for citizens to be fully involved in the governance process of the state, in order to hold government accountable, because they are their employee, in an ideal democratic setting.

Political stability 

Political stability is usually achieved in societies citizens are well literate and educated, because of their exposure and active involvement or participation in the political process, and having high, mature and strong political culture. So many crises occuring across the world, which have led to instability and change of government, especially in an unconstitutional means, are usually the resultant effects of political activities, rising from citizens' inability to be cultured, civil, disciplined, law-abiding and responsible. This can explain why political process, elections specifically, are usually married by violence, rigging, thuggery, arson, and miaming, in many African countries, instability is a recurring decimal. Categorically, political stability is assured or guaranteed in a literate society, while it is also a strong factor or recipe for achieving sustainable development rapidly, because government is the primary driver of social change.

Liberty

Liberty of citizens which the inalienable rights of human are subsisted, is very crucial for attainment of ultimate goal and sustainable development in the society. In many countries, especially the developing ones, it is highly suppressed and restricted. Many do not know their rights, while those who know lack the wherewithal and courage to protect them. Most unfortunately, some political systems for some reasons fail the citizens, while the political leaders and the elite class capitalize on the loopholes of the weak and incapacitated legal system, resulting in outright violation of human rights and miscarriages of justice. The citizens' become restricted or limited, while injustice, inequality and lack of freedom thrive. It is only in a literate society, with well informed and enlightened citizens, the trend can be reversed, by steering the course of having a just, orderly and egalitarian society, that will be beneficial to all, in attainment of ultimate goal. In a literate society, in the event of abuse and violation of human rights, the citizens cannot fail to speak up without fear, while the government cannot fail to act, else it will be called to order for negligence, irresponsibility and violation of social contract. Don't forget, it is the main duty of the state through its agent, the government, to ensure the security of lives and property of its citizens.

Security

To have a secure society, all hands must be on desk, not only the duty of the government the way some people are made to believe. In a literate society, security is everyone's business, while it is not so in non-literate society, the citizens don't show commitment towards social development, because of their limited knowledge. In a literate society, such is part of their moral values well inculcated or socialized, in a way that has become sacrosanct. It starts from the individual level in being mindful of the maintenance of law and order, while the reverse is the root cause and starting point of every form of insecurity. Meaningful engagement drives away idleness and redundancy, so the values of hard work dominant in a literate society, contribute in forstalling insecurity. The government cannot get this done alone, without the support of the citizens. That is why proactive measures are sought to tackle or nip in the bud, recipes and precursors of insecurity. A literate society characterized by responsive and responsible government cannot fail to keep to one of its main responsibilities of providing security to lives and property, else the educated, well informed and politically active citizens will call them to order.

A literate society will have no or less mob gang or hoodlums, because the citizens who are well educated, will be meaningfully engaged, and being cultured, civil and disciplined, by virtue of their characters (characters moulding and formation), they hardly involve in inhumane and barbaric acts. This is part and parcel of the social norms being socialized or transferred to the citizens while receiving education. The recurring election violence in Nigeria leading to gruesome killing and destruction of property, the fierce, inhumane and barbaric social discrimination in South Africa known as xenophobia and the xenophobic attacks speak volume about the subject of discourse.

Sustainable development

No society can think of development without having developed brains (literate or educated citizens). Similarly, development achieved or recorded cannot be sustained without the developed brains being productively and strategically engaged, that is one benefit of having literate citizens in the society, because sustainability of development recorded will be guaranteed. It is substantially manifested when these literate or educated citizens make up the vast majority of the population. For instance, poor maintenance culture is one of the serious challenges Nigeria and so many other developing countries are facing, reports have shown that the leading cause of this phenomenon is the citizens poor attitude towards government's programmes (public policy). The citizens because of their illiteracy, ignorance or lack of knowledge, fail to embrace and treat public projects as theirs. Another factor is the citizens' perspective towards the government, which make see anything done by government as 'their projects', a complete alienation from the institution which ought to be the primary driver of social change, which illiteracy and lack of education is largely responsible - for more explanation, see the post titled, "THE NEED FOR CHANGE OR SHIFT IN PERSPECTIVE ON GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA". Unlike in a literate society, the citizens meaningfully engaged the government and hold them to account, while the outcomes of government (public policy) are knowledgeably well accepted and treated as theirs.

CAUSES OF THE DYING READING CULTURE IN NIGERIA

The dying reading culture in Nigeria is a worrisome social phenomenon which requires urgent remedy, because bringing to bear positive charge in this regard, to a large extend, can help Nigeria achieve sustainable development. Undoubtedly, there is a significant relationship between a 'reading cultured society' and literacy, as well as a literate society and sustainable development. A literate society is one which is mostly composed of or made up of highly educated citizens. 

As stated in previous posts, the benefits of having a literate society are quite enormous, including having a lawful, stable and orderly society, adequate political inclusion through having informed, enlightened and politically active citizens in terms of participation (politically exposed persons - PEP), and appreciation of government's programmes (public policies), which results to having high maintenance culture - what Nigeria is seriously lacking at the moment. Another benefit of a literate society is having citizens who are honest, truthful (because formal and modern education through the adoption of scientific methodology, seeks to always establish and maintain absolute truth), as well as seeking to maintain freedom, equality and justice (liberty) - essential ingredients needed to achieve development in the society.

During the colonial and pre-independent era, Nigeria had it good in the educational sector, it affected tremendously the educated populace. In fact, the country witnessed a high reading culture, perhaps, it was the result of the high standard of education, a striking opposite of what is obtainable today - the standard of education in Nigeria currently, is abysmally poor, a serious and urgent surgical operation is needed to make a meaningful reversal. There are lots of factors responsible or attributed to the dying reading culture in the country. The include the following:

I. Poor/lack of censorship 

ii. Advancement in technology 

iii. Misplaced priority: monetization and commercialization 

iv. Poor/low standard of living 

v. Promotion of examination fraud 

vi. Poor reward system 

(i) POOR/LACK OF CENSORSHIP

The existence of poor censorship by relevant authorities is a huge factor in the dying reading culture in Nigeria. Because of this inadequacy, low quality contents and half-baked ideas, which make reading uninteresting, are often published, contributing to the dwindling reading populace in the country. From observation, books and other reading materials published nowadays, lack high quality contents and deficient in knowledge based, compare to how it was in the past. In fact, so many books being published do not pass through the scrutiny of the relevant authorities, and so many unqualified persons have picked the wrong profession, often motivated by monetary gains, not seeing writing as a calling, first and foremost, which it's ethics ought to be strictly adhered to. Bring seen as all-comers-affairs, based on the factors outlined above, that is why people out of impatience and greed, will published what is unfit for public consumption (reading).

(ii) ADVANCEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY 

Advancement in technology has made reading in Nigeria less fashionable, as a result of its enticing nature. Nowadays, a phone (hand-set) has almost the same features and performs almost the same functions as a computer. Audio, video, game materials and the emergence of social media, which have really draw the interest of most Nigerians and digressed their attention from reading, which was a veritable hubby in the past. So many people now spend most of their time watching videos of interest, playing games or doing some other things on the internet which do not promote reading and personal development. Sadly, those activities are for enjoyment and entertainment purposes.

(iii) MISPLACED PRIORITY: 'MONETIZATION' AND 'CONMERCIALIZATION'

Placing priority on monetization and commercialization of ideas and text contents publishing, resulting in low value and low baked production, has greatly contributed to the dying reading culture in Nigeria. Reading becomes non fascinating or captivating because the contents are no longer worthy of affecting and moulding the character of readers, the way it ought to. Writing which ought to be a calling, suddenly became all-comers-affairs, because the motivating factor is money, especially now the internet has presidented advanced technological platforms for publishing ideas, highlighting the deficiencies and inadequacies iexisting in censorship.

(iv) POOR/LOW STANDARD OF LIVING 

So many Nigerian citizens cannot afford three square mill per day let alone affording books that could enhance the cultivation of reading culture. The low standard of living, according to the April 2025 World Bank Reports, shows that about 160 million Nigerians representing a high number of the populace who are living below the poverty line of $2.15 per day (i.e. the average income per head or income per Capita). This is not a good omen for the country, as the dying reading culture has become one of it's multi-plier effects.

(v) PROMOTION OF EXAMINATION FRAUD

The affected citizens in this category are mainly students, although labourers/workers are not exempted. Examination fraud is undisputedly at an alarming rate, and very little is being done to put a stop to it. Students have become oblivious of the fact that reading (studying) is the main and basic characteristics of studentship.As a result of exploring illegitimate ways of passing examination, reading has become less fashionable. Without reading, the essence of going to school is absolutely lost. The development where examination fraud is highly promoted instead of combating it, contribute immediately in killing reading culture in Nigeria.

(vi) POOR REWARD SYSTEM 

When citizens lack motivating force which ordinarily should be derived from having a good reward system, because hard work no longer pays. In this context, several ways of achieving one's dreams or goals in life exist, by cutting corners or through illegitimate means, instead of personal development which mostly occurs by intensive reading. In other words, inability of Nigeria to reward hard work is the leading cause of the dying reading culture. For example, interview has ceased to become the main yardstick for appraising job applicants. Similarly, promotion examination which used to be a norm before a worker is elevated, is fast becoming secondary. The slogan now is, who do you know, rather than what do you know and what can you do.

WHAT SHOULD BE ADOPTED AS ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSING NELFUND FOR GRADUATE/POST-GRADUATE CATEGORY

 The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is a Federal Government initiative formulated in line with or for the purpose of implementing the Students Loan Act of 2024.The Government has mapped out plan for the implementation of the initiative with undergraduate category being the first phase,, while the graduate or post-graduate category is intended for the next phase. Meanwhile, the enactment of the act of the Parliament and the subsequent formulation of NELFUND occured for the purpose of granting loan to students who cannot afford higher or tertiary education in Nigeria. 

Arguably, NELFUND for graduate/post-graduate category is more needful and will benefit Nigeria more than the undergraduate category, because of the numerous positive multi-plier or attendant effects it will yield as dividend to the public. Beside the necessity, affordability is another important point to discuss, as graduate/post-graduate studies is mostly self-sponsored academic activity in Nigeria, unlike the undergraduate studies that is mostly sponsored by parents and guardians, and it is relatively affordable.

RATIONALE/JUSTIFICATIONS FOR GRANTING NELFUND TO GRADUATE/POST-GRADUATE CATEGORY 

(I) Research 

Nigeria is seriously lagging behind in research and the man challenge responsible for this is lack of fund or sponsorship. Elsewhere, research is a very serious business because of it's importance in the society. Government, the private sector and we'll meaning individuals invest hugely in it, in order to have improved and updated knowledge about their activities, invention of new ideas and methods of doing things, as well as advancement in existing technologies, so that they will be properly guided in decision making process and solving social problems, be it in business, investment, governance, education, agriculture, health, sciences, environment, etc. Research activity is not well appreciated in Nigeria, this is why NELFUND should be strategically deployed for promotion of the said activity. How will this be achieved? It is unarguable that graduate/post-graduate studies (PGD, Masters and PhD) is basically research based, and granting interested applicants loan will drastically increase research activities in the country. Therefore, this is one important reason NELFUND for graduate/post-graduate category should be speedily activated.

(ii) Highly Skilled Man Power and Work Force 

NELFUND for graduate/post-graduate category will massively add to or increase the rate of Nigeria's skilled and highly skilled man power and work force. This is because the boost will definitely be coming from the fraction of the said population who could not have been able to afford such education ordinarily. No doubt, the importance of having great number of highly skilled work force cannot be over-stressed, especially in relation to the country's sustainable development drive; as it will increase the efficiency of Nigeria's productive forces (PF), which in turn, will lead to tangible economic growth It is on this basis, the process for the implementation of the lofty initiative should be fast-tracked by the government. 

(iii) High Cost/Non Affordability

parents, guardians and sponsors can afford undergraduate level education because it is more affordable than the graduate/post-graduate level. Government should really take into consideration the high cost of acquiring graduate/post-graduate education, to justify the granting of NELFUND, in order to express the acceptability and harnessing of the Population-education strategy, discussed extensively in a web page titled, "Is It Brain Drain Or Labour Migration?" Indeed, the government of Nigeria can take advantage of it's abundant human resources, by developing it to become human capital, which will benefit the country immensely. The high cost of graduate/post-graduate studies has denied so many eligible and interested Nigerians the opportunity of enrollment. So, activating or implementing NELFUND initiative in that category, will help such people further their studies.

(iv) Prompt/Quick Repayment 

Undoubtedly, graduates or post-graduate students stand a high chance of repaying the students loan more quickly than beneficiaries in the undergraduate category; this is because of myriad of opportunities that will be available to them, based on their level of knowledge and capacity to be productive - with high preference in the competitive labour market. They will also have opportunities to earn higher than those in the undergraduate category, because of their competence, skills and capacity. With strict measures put in place for repayment and availability of money, it is likely that beneficiaries in this category will respond positively to repayment, than those in the undergraduate category. This should spur the relevant government's personnel to speedily act based on this sound justification.

WHAT SHOULD BE ADOPTED AS ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSING NELFUND FOR GRADUATE/POST-GRADUATE CATEGORY 

Below are the effective criteria or requirements that should be instituted for granting loan to graduate/post-graduate category from NELFUND, which is an initiative for the implementation of the Students Loan Act (2024). In this regard, each requirement forming part of what will produce eligible beneficiaries, MUST be centred around research, which the graduate/post-graduate programmes represent.

(i) Research Proposal

The primary eligibility requirement for accessing NELFUND at graduate/post-graduate category should be research based, other requirements should be secondary, since graduate/post-graduate programme is basically research-oriented. This will speak volume of government's intention to promote research using the initiative. To this end, it should not be designed for students who are only pursuing certificates at the expense of the main thing. It means that those who are not research-minded should be disqualified or denied the opportunity, for the sake of national development, because no country can witness optimum growth without prioritizing research activities.

Research Proposal should be well scrutinized by relevant officials/authorities and satisfactrily defended by applicants before granted loan. The scrutiny should be taken very seriously to weed out unqualified and unserious minded applicants who intend to take advantage of the process, by cutting corners, probably submitting undefendable or already existing research proposal, which may not have any value or relevance to the challenges facing the country, as every research is aimed at solving a problem.

(ii) Update of existing body of knowledge 

For knowledge to remain valid and relevant, it must be continuously updated, and this cannot happen outside conducting further research on the subject. In this regard, any genuine research proposal aimed at updating existing body of knowledge should be encouraged, by granting loan to such applicants for graduate/post-graduate studies. Its importance cannot be over-emphasized, because of its ability (validity and reliability) in explaining existing challenges in the society, which remedies or solutions are easily provided.

(iii) Advancement/Innovation in Local and Indigenous Technologies 

Because of the prevailing circumstance, in relation to the current global economic order - globalization - which has come to stay, there is need for Nigeria to take advantage of the technologically-driven process. And this cannot happen outside research-related programme, which should be easily driven by government, being the primary driver of social change. The emergence of NELFUND is a welcome development, to help drive home this lofty project of advancing local/indigenous technologies.

In view of the above, having a research proposal that is aimed at or tailored towards technological innovation of local/indigenous technologies/products should be a good requirement for accessing NELFUND at the graduate/post-graduate category.

(iv) Need-Based Research Problem 

The government/relevant authorities should shoulder this responsibility of identifying problem areas or aspects in the Nigerian state which require urgent and viable intervention. Research approach to a large extend, can help the country solve them; fortunately, solutions provided through research is usually long lasting and holistical, as such identifiad problem is dissected or x-rayed holistically, taking into consideration the likely and perceived factors triggering the problems. In this case, intended applicants should be offered a research area or problem based on the need in the country, in order to help in solving existing problems that will move the country forward.

This is one effective way the country can channel human resources appropriately, by ensuring that interested applicants, who are research-minded, are granted loan, after being examined based on the proposal on the identified problem issued by the government, through the relevant authorities. NELFUND therefore, should be well considered and weighed by government as an effective tool for solving myriad of problems in Nigeria, through research. Don't forget, internet which has become unprecedented invention today, is a product of research. People saw the need to take communication to another level, and the resultant effect is what has connected the entire world and turned it to a global village, such that communication to any part of the world occurs at the speed of light. Nigeria can borrow a leaf from that model to spur the citizens up with NELFUND, because discoveries and inventions are achieved from research.

In summary, government cannot afford to neglect research due to its positive consequences. That is why NELFUND for graduate/post-graduate category should be designed or tailored towards solving the problem of low research activities in Nigeria.