*WHY BUHARI/AKEREDOLU SHOULD APPOINT ME MINISTER/ COMMISSIONER FOR EDUCATION*

It is no news that Nigerian education system is in a serious comatose state and needs urgent restructuring and rescue by an expert who knows how to do the magic. With an estimated 13.2 million children out of school, high illiteracy level, infrastructural deficit and decay, unqualified teachers, and inadequate instructional materials, to mention some of the challenges, we can clearly see the effect of decades of neglect that the education Nigerian education sector has suffered.
If appointed Minister/Commissioner of education, I am determined to turnaround the sector for the better. I have already made appreciable research progress in identifying the problems and it's needed solutions.
Nigeria is more or less still far away from our avowed goal of education for all the inhabitants of this vast country. We are still following the same old system which was introduced by the old Christian missionaries in the 16th Century to produce cheap clerks. Education of education seems to be on the breaking point. Everyone high and low can aspire for the highest place in the government if he or she is fit for it. If I become a Minister/Commissioner for Education, I would bring about many changes in the education pattern of the country.

First I would improve the lot of teachers. Teachers are the pivots on whom the whole structure of education revolves. If the teachers are unhappy they cannot give their best to the pupils under their charge. I shall, therefore, increase the salaries of all categories of teachers so that they have not to run here and there to supplement their income. Theirs is an honourable profession and it should be recognised as such in society. I shall see that their pay scales are in no way inferior to those who are working in other Ministries. That is also the only way in which we can attract talented young men to this profession. I am sure that a contented teacher would be a great asset to the country.
Secondly, I would change the present system of education. Undue importance to the examination shall have no place in my scheme of education. Promotions would be made on semester/termly system already in practice in Germany, U.S.A. and other European countries. At present the students waste their time the whole year round and then mug up a few questions and take the examination. These examinations are in no way a sure test of one’s ability. Credit is given to the power of cramming and in the selection of questions. In the semester system everyone shall have to study throughout the year.

Next, I will direct my attention to the entrance qualifications of would be teachers in the colleges of education and faculties of education vin our universities and ensure that the current Jamb cut off mark for education students is as same as their medical, engineering and humanities counterparts. With this, we will attract the best brains in our education system rather than the army of mediocre we are breeding now. Also, I will display my knowledge in ravaging the technical and agricultural education. Study of an art or craft would be made a compulsory subject in the school curriculum. Agriculture shall have precedence over other subjects in village schools. I am convinced that the salvation of the country lies in preparing our young men in arts and crafts so that when they grow up, they have not to run for jobs. They can start independent industries and earn a decent living. The question of unemployment among the educated young men would be solved.
Lastly I would try to raise the percentage of literacy in the country. It is a pity that hardly 15% of the inhabitants of this vast country are literate. I shall make primary education compulsory. I shall see that more schools are opened to accommodate the ever increasing number of pupils. I know that this is an ambitious programme and would need large sums of money. If I do not get the required sum of money from the minister incharge of finance, I shall resign.

*Ojogbon Abimbola Omoseebi*
(Seasoned Educationist, writer and thinker writes from Akure, Ondo State. Nigeria)