Professor Madu advocates urgent reforms in Nigeria’s education sector.

A Professor of Adult Psychology and Learning in the Department of Adult and Continuing Education, Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra State, Professor Kate Omeriyang Madu, has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently address the growing decay in Nigeria’s education sector, stressing that teachers’ welfare and quality education remain the backbone of national development.

Speaking during an interview with Umuaka Times local affairs correspondents, Professor Madu described the current condition of education in the country as deeply troubling, warning that continued neglect could further weaken the nation’s future workforce and social stability.

According to the education scholar, if given the opportunity to serve as Minister of Education, her first priority would be the welfare of teachers across the country and a total revamp of the sector.

“If I become Minister of Education today, teachers’ welfare would be my top priority ; such as regular salaries, competitive pay comparable to other countries, cleared promotion arrears, ensuring proper funding of schools and enacting policies that take care of retirees in the country,” she stated.

Professor Madu lamented that many teachers in Nigeria work under harsh conditions with poor remuneration, irregular salaries and little motivation, despite their critical role in shaping society. She noted that the neglect of educators has contributed significantly to the declining standard of education nationwide.

She highlighted several examples of the rot in the education sector that require urgent government intervention. These include the dilapidated condition of public schools in many rural communities, overcrowded classrooms, shortage of qualified teachers, poor learning facilities, inadequate instructional materials and the persistent strike actions in tertiary institutions caused by unresolved welfare issues.

The professor further decried situations where students sit on broken chairs or learn under leaking roofs, while some schools operate without functional laboratories, libraries or electricity. She also expressed concern over the increasing number of out-of-school children, especially girls, due to poverty, insecurity and cultural barriers.

Professor Madu added that corruption, poor policy implementation and inadequate funding have continued to weaken educational institutions at all levels. According to her, many retired teachers are abandoned after years of service, forcing some to live in hardship without access to proper pensions and healthcare.

She urged governments at all levels to treat education as a national emergency by investing more resources in infrastructure, teacher training, digital learning and student support systems.

Addressing Umuaka girls and women, Professor Madu encouraged them to remain committed to education and self-development despite prevailing economic and social challenges.

“Education is the key to life. The only instrument that can break the vicious circle of poverty in our communities. They should be focused, dedicated and resilient in pursuing their goals. Everyone has the right to quality education irrespective of gender,” she said.

She emphasized that empowering girls and women through education would not only improve families and communities but also contribute greatly to national growth and sustainable development.

The education advocate therefore called on leaders, parents, traditional institutions and stakeholders to work collectively towards rebuilding confidence in Nigeria’s education system and restoring dignity to the teaching profession.