A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has declared that Nigeria's education sector is facing a state of emergency following students' abysmal performances in recent examinations.
In a statement released on Tuesday through his Media Aide, Rasheed Abubakar, Mumuni identified several factors responsible for the poor results in the Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) tests.
"The significant decline in exam scores has raised critical questions about the effectiveness of our educational system," Mumuni stated. "Factors contributing to this crisis are multifaceted: inadequate infrastructure, inefficient curriculum frameworks, lack of trained educators, socioeconomic disparities, and insufficient access to learning resources."
The APC chieftain emphasized that the implications of these results extend beyond individual students, potentially affecting Nigeria's overall development and global competitiveness.
Call for Immediate Action
Mumuni urged all stakeholders—including parents, educators, and government officials—to implement both immediate and long-term solutions to address the crisis.
"A dedicated focus on the professional development of teachers is essential," he said. "We call for enhanced training programs that equip educators with modern teaching methodologies and ongoing support to foster a more engaging and effective learning environment."
The statement also highlighted the need for increased government investment in educational infrastructure, including classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and technology. Additionally, Mumuni advocated for improved access to learning materials, suggesting free or subsidized study resources for underprivileged students.
Parental and Community Involvement
The APC chieftain emphasized the crucial role of parents in their children's education, calling for stronger partnerships between schools, families, and communities.
"Parents must take an active role in their children's education. Schools should foster stronger partnerships with families and communities to create supportive educational ecosystems, encouraging mentorship programs and community tutoring initiatives," Mumuni advised.
He also recommended that policymakers engage with stakeholders to monitor progress and make data-driven decisions that respond effectively to the needs of both students and teachers.
Mumuni's comments come amid ongoing controversies surrounding the recently concluded UTME, which has sparked nationwide debate about the state of Nigeria's education system.