- Nigeria’s failing education infrastructure
- Impact of underfunding on Nigerian schools
- Rural education challenges in Nigeria
In Zing Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State, Zensi Primary School exemplifies the systemic neglect afflicting Nigeria’s educational sector. Students attend classes under makeshift thatch shelters, lacking basic infrastructure such as classrooms, desks, and chairs. Despite these challenges, dedicated teachers like Leseria Hassan Bitruss continue to educate without receiving salaries for extended periods. T
his situation is not unique to Zensi Primary School. In Zing LGA, over half the population relies on subsistence farming, and approximately 14% have no formal education, with literacy rates below the national average.
Many families cannot afford private schooling, making them dependent on under-resourced public institutions. Nigeria allocates less than 10% of its national budget to education, falling short of the UNESCO-recommended 15-20%. This underfunding leads to deteriorating infrastructure, unpaid teacher salaries, and learning environments that hinder student development. The lack of political will to address these issues perpetuates a cycle of mediocrity, limiting the potential of the nation’s youth.
Addressing this crisis requires increased investment in education, improved infrastructure, timely payment of teacher salaries, and a commitment to providing quality learning environments, especially in rural areas. Without such interventions, Nigeria risks perpetuating educational mediocrity and hindering national progress.
