It is no longer news that over 18 million Nigerian children are not in school, as a result of the numerous education crisis facing the country. Nigeria faces a severe education crisis, characterised by high out-of-school rates, low student performance, and inadequate infrastructure, among others.
The federal government in efforts to address the learning inequalities especially in the rural areas are set to reform the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) by introducing Teachers’ Corps and Medical Corps.
Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, has proposed the reform to address the critical shortage of professionals in Nigeria’s underserved rural communities.
Alausa made this known during the inauguration of the NYSC Reform Committee held at the Ministry of Youth Development headquarters in Abuja recently.
He exphasised that the proposed Teachers’ Corps would target NCE-certified graduates who are willing to serve in rural areas for an optional two-year period.
However, the minister explained the proposed introduction of a Teachers’ Corps and Medical Corps for NCE-certified graduates and healthcare professionals, respectively, particularly those willing to serve in rural areas for a two-year optional period.
“The Teachers’ Corps would help bridge educational gaps and provide a pathway to government employment.
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“The Medical Corps would bolster healthcare delivery in underserved communities, addressing critical issues such as maternal and child health,” he said.
Ayodele Olawande, minister of youth development, who presided over the inauguration and emphasised the importance of reforming the NYSC, which has existed since 1973.
“The issue of safety of corps members, infrastructural deficits, and the broader question about the relevance of the scheme in an increasingly dynamic socio-economic landscape are some of the challenges faced. But these also present opportunities that demand urgent, visionary, and determined action,” the minister said.
Nigeria has grappled with an education crisis amplified in unqualified teachers, low learning outcomes and learning inequality in the rural areas.
Nigeria ranks 124 in the world, and 25 in Africa in education quality, far behind some of its West African counterparts, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
Within West Africa, Nigeria ranks below Ghana and Cape Verde, indicating that while it remains a dominant regional power, its education sector lags behind compared to its neighbours.
The common issues of rural schools in Nigeria are inadequate number of teachers, teacher absenteeism and improper supervision of schools. The well qualified teachers mostly live in the city and they are scared of moving to rural areas due to lack of infrastructural facilities.
Experts argue that without investment in teacher education, merely reforming the NYSC will not enhance learning outcomes in the rural areas.
Gift Osikoya, a teacher explains that the government must ensure that teachers are equipped with modern pedagogical skills to deliver quality instruction.
“Our education is in crisis, and needs help, we need trained teachers with good remuneration to revive the sector especially in the rural areas; and not just NYSC members,” she said.
Lydia Elekwa, head teacher in Abia State said that the main reason many teachers decline posting to some rural areas includes schools without toilets, furniture, insecurity and lack of amenities for healthy living.
