From January 2016 to April 2022, approximately 61 percent of ApplyBoard’s Nigerian applicants successfully obtained Canadian student visas.
From January 2016 to April 2022, approximately 61 percent of ApplyBoard’s Nigerian applicants successfully obtained Canadian student visas.
The remarkable rise of Nigeria in global education rankings is a significant development that warrants a deep analysis. This ascent can be attributed to several factors, including government initiatives, private-sector investments, and international collaborations.
However, it’s essential to understand this phenomenon in the context of Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape and its educational history.
Historical context
Nigeria’s education system has historically grappled with numerous challenges. These include inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of qualified teachers. The country’s large population and diverse cultural landscape have also presented unique challenges in delivering uniform educational standards.
However, it’s not all bad news as Nigeria as a nation has experienced tremendous growth in the recent past. A study conducted by ApplyBoard reveals that over half of Nigerian students aged 19 or younger received approval for Canadian study permits between January and September 2021. In the United States, the influx of Nigerian students has exceeded the overall average growth rate from other countries in seven out of the past eight years.
The UK saw a significant increase in Nigerian student enrollment, nearly doubling between the academic years 2018/19 and 2020/21. In terms of preferred fields of study, 26 percent of Nigerian students in Canada and 29 percent in the UK opt for business and management courses.
However, in the US, STEM fields dominate, attracting 63 percent of Nigerian students. Furthermore, from January 2016 to April 2022, approximately 61 percent of ApplyBoard’s Nigerian applicants successfully obtained Canadian student visas.
According to the British Council report, of the 143 universities surveyed in the UK, 31 percent engage in international education partnerships. Among these, 21 are federally run, 18 are state universities, and six are private institutions.
Also, the 2023 Open Doors Report highlights the U.S. as a top choice for international students, notably showing a 22.2 percent rise in Nigerian student enrollment, reaching 17,640 in the 2022/2023 academic year.
Recent developments
In recent years, Nigeria has made concerted efforts to revamp its education system. Key among these efforts is the increased budget allocation to the education sector and partnership with other developed nations, signifying the government’s commitment to education as a national priority. This financial boost has facilitated improvements in infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development.
Recently, the Akwa Ibom State Government in Nigeria, in collaboration with the UK, is advancing education by selecting 271 students for an exam, part of Governor Umo Eno’s transformative UK Education Exchange Programme.
“The Akwa Ibom State Government in Nigeria announced a partnership with the United Kingdom to enhance educational opportunities.
“The government has released a list of 271 students selected to undergo a selection examination for the United Kingdom Education Exchange Programme. This initiative, proposed by Governor Umo Eno, is set to be a transformative step in the state’s education system.”
Technological integration
One of the most notable aspects of Nigeria’s educational reform is the integration of technology in classrooms in partnership with foreign EdTech firms. The introduction of digital tools and internet connectivity has not only enhanced learning experiences but also bridged the gap between urban and rural education. This technological leap has been instrumental in elevating Nigeria’s position in global education rankings.
TETFund’s partnership with Anthology, a leading US EdTech company, is a major step in improving Nigerian online education. This collaboration, vital post-COVID-19, focuses on making online learning more accessible and affordable, indicating a commitment to educational reform in Nigeria.
“The Tertiary Education Trust Fund’s collaboration with Anthology, a renowned US-based EdTech firm, marks a significant leap in advancing online education for Nigerian students. This partnership aims to enhance the accessibility and affordability of online educational offerings, a step towards addressing the critical need for educational reform in Nigeria.
Teacher training, professional development
The private sector’s role cannot be overstated in Nigeria’s educational advancement. Private schools have introduced innovative teaching methods and world-class facilities, setting a benchmark for public schools. Additionally, international partnerships have brought in new perspectives, funding, and expertise, further enriching Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Recognizing that quality education is contingent upon the caliber of its teachers, Nigeria has invested heavily in teacher training and professional development. International organizations such as the European Union have also contributed in no small measure to training Nigerian teachers and boosting the teaching standard in the country through their financial support.
According to our previous report, the EU has allocated €5.4 million ($5.9 million) to enhance teacher skills in Northwestern Nigeria, as part of a €40 million ($43.8 million) education and youth empowerment initiative under the Global Gateway program.
The European Union has dedicated €5.4 million ($5.7 million) to strengthen teacher capacity in Northwestern Nigeria. The investment aligns with the EU’s commitment to improving education access and empowering youth to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the region.
“EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen announced the launch of a €40-million ($42 million) education and youth empowerment initiative in Northwestern Nigeria through the Global Gateway program. The additional funds aim to equip teachers with the skills required to nurture students capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.”
Nigeria is also “forging strategic partnerships with the United Kingdom and the European Union. These collaborations aim to enhance access to quality education, address the growing demand for higher learning, and align with global educational standards.
“The Nigerian-UK Steering Committee on Transnational Higher Education is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for its burgeoning youth population.”
Challenges, criticisms
Despite these advancements, Nigeria’s education system faces ongoing challenges. Disparities in educational access and quality between different regions and socioeconomic groups remain a significant concern. Some critics argue that the focus on global ranking metrics might lead to neglecting the unique cultural and contextual needs of Nigerian education.
Furthermore, a growing number of Nigerian tertiary education teachers are migrating abroad for better prospects, exacerbating the challenges faced by the nation’s public universities. These institutions are grappling with underperformance, low morale, and poor infrastructure. Meanwhile, private entities increasingly dominate the education sector, including tertiary education, as more private universities emerge.
According to MSM Reporter, “An increasing number of tertiary education teachers are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
“Private entities have primarily dominated the primary and secondary education sectors, and a similar pattern is emerging in tertiary education with a surge in the licensing of private universities. The public universities, still under federal and state government control, require immediate intervention as they face a critical situation.”
Future outlook
The Eduverse Summit 2024, in its first year, introduces a worldwide webinar series preceding its events in Nigeria on Feb. 15. Aimed at higher education authorities, policymakers, edtech experts, and teachers, these webinars offer a critical forum for transformative discussions and cooperative efforts in shaping education’s future.
Looking forward, the trajectory for Nigeria’s education system appears promising. The government’s ongoing commitment, combined with private sector dynamism and international support, sets the stage for sustainable growth and further improvements.
Nigeria’s rise in global education rankings is a multifaceted development rooted in systemic reforms, technological integration, and a shift towards modern pedagogical practices. While challenges persist, the ongoing efforts and the trajectory of progress paint an optimistic future for education in Nigeria.
