The educational landscape in Imo State, Nigeria, particularly in its public primary and secondary schools, has been facing significant challenges. When compared with past decades, the overall quality and quantity of education in Imo State have shown a negative trend.
The neglect and near collapse of the education system in Imo State casts a shadow of uncertainty over the future, fostering hopelessness, joblessness, and insecurity.
The current Imo State Government has reportedly inspected over 2,000 schools to identify those in need of rehabilitation and reconstruction. Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Arinze Nwokedi, announced plans to renovate all dilapidated public schools. A report on the school visitation has supposedly been submitted to the state governor outlining the need for commencement of necessary renovations
Imo State is renowned for having the highest number of educated citizens in Nigeria’s South-East zone and the most higher education institutions in Igboland. This underscores the need for effective educational policies and infrastructure, especially given the serious infrastructural issues in rural schools, where many facilities are in deplorable condition.
The state’s education system is suffering from a loss of confidence, primarily among the political and elite classes. Over 95% of these elites opt to educate their children in private institutions at home and abroad, leading to a lack of serious policy discussion about education in Imo State.
Government schools are often underfunded, with overcrowded classrooms mostly attended by children from low-income families. The deepening crisis in the education sector is further exacerbated by the political leaders’ focus on elections and politics, often at the expense of education.
The rich and middle classes, by sending their children to private schools both domestically and abroad, are creating a widening gap between the poor and the rich, thus perpetuating inequality. Education, once a great equalizer, is no longer serving its purpose effectively in Imo State.
In contrast, Anambra State, under the administration of former Governor Peter Obi, saw significant improvements in its public schools, including missionary schools, thanks to massive rehabilitation efforts and financial support.
The deplorable treatment of teachers in Imo State, including non-payment of salaries and pensions, has greatly demoralized the teaching staff, impacting the effectiveness of the educational system.
Despite having a high literacy rate, the educational progress in Imo State has been stagnating, with little commitment to improvement. This situation underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to rehabilitating public schools, as exemplified by global initiatives like those implemented by UNICEF in Lebanon.
Imo State, faces a critical point in terms of security, human capacity development, and economic growth. The indifference of political leaders towards the education sector poses a threat to the future, potentially leading to perpetual crises and societal dysfunction.
To address these challenges, it is imperative to declare a “state of emergency” in the education sector of Imo State. This involves improving teacher education, setting independent standards for teacher accreditation, providing financial and psychological incentives for teachers, and ensuring timely and fair compensation.
If education is not prioritized, the future of Imo State will likely be bleak. The time to act is now, to rescue the education system from its current state and secure a prosperous future for the next generation of Ndi Imo.
Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
Duruebube Uzii na Abosi
09/01/2024
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