Education System: Emphasising 90% Practical Learning

Education is the foundation upon which the future of any nation is built. In Nigeria, this foundation has long been cemented in theoretical knowledge, leaving students often ill-equipped to apply what they have learned in real-world situations. Across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, the traditional education system places an overwhelming emphasis on memorisation and theoretical teaching while neglecting the practical skills necessary for success in today’s dynamic world.

The need for a paradigm shift is clear: Nigeria’s education system must evolve from the current model to one where 10% of the time is spent on theoretical talks and 90% on practical, hands-on learning. This rebalancing would foster a generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and skilled professionals who can meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Nigeria’s educational system is often criticized for producing graduates who are “book-smart” but “street-dumb.” From a young age, students are taught to regurgitate facts, memorize definitions, and cram for exams that emphasize theory over practical understanding. This system not only stifles creativity but also fails to prepare students for the complexities of real-world challenges.

At the primary level, students spend countless hours memorizing basic concepts of science, mathematics, and social studies without ever being allowed to apply them. The same issue persists in secondary schools, where students are drilled to pass national exams like WAEC and NECO, but rarely get to engage with experiments, projects, or hands-on activities that would give life to the theory.

When students reach the tertiary level, the gap between education and practical experience widens. University graduates often leave with degrees in engineering, medicine, or business administration without ever having handled real-world equipment, engaged in fieldwork, or participated in internships. This theoretical overload is a major contributor to the high unemployment rates in Nigeria, where employers complain that graduates lack the practical skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

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The goal of education should be to produce critical thinkers who can solve real-life problems. While theoretical knowledge is important as a foundation, it is through practical application that students learn to think critically, solve problems, and innovate. In science, for example, conducting experiments, building models, and working with laboratory equipment helps students understand complex concepts better than mere memorization ever could. By focusing 90% of the time on practicals, students are encouraged to engage in hands-on activities that challenge their thinking, creativity, and ability to work through real-world issues. This type of education fosters innovation, making it easier for students to create solutions that improve society.

Nigeria’s high youth unemployment rate is a testament to the mismatch between the skills students acquire in school and what the job market demands. Employers consistently bemoan the fact that graduates lack practical skills, and many companies spend significant time and resources retraining new hires to make them employable.A 90% practical education would bridge this gap. By exposing students to practical experience early on, they become job-ready by the time they graduate.

Schools should introduce vocational training, internships, and hands-on projects that allow students to work with industry tools, understand workplace environments, and develop a range of practical skills. This would make Nigerian graduates more competitive both locally and globally.

Nigeria’s future lies in the hands of entrepreneurs and innovators who can develop solutions to pressing problems such as poverty, infrastructure gaps, and technological advancement. However, innovation thrives in a practical environment, not in a system where students are trained to memorize formulas and pass exams. Practical learning environments encourage students to experiment, fail, try again, and ultimately create. They foster an entrepreneurial mindset by allowing students to start projects, test prototypes, and engage with real-world scenarios. Imagine a curriculum where secondary school students learn by building sustainable farming models, designing apps, or creating small businesses. Such an education would lay the groundwork for a generation of innovators ready to reshape Nigeria’s economy.
Studies show that people remember and understand concepts better when they learn through doing rather than by passively listening to lectures.

Practical learning engages multiple senses and allows students to grasp complex concepts through experience. For example, in primary schools, teaching students about agriculture is far more effective when they are taken to a farm, shown how to plant seeds, and given the opportunity to monitor plant growth over time. This approach promotes deeper learning, greater retention, and a clearer understanding of the subject matter. Practical exposure not only builds comprehension but also inspires curiosity, making students eager to explore more and continue learning.
The shift from a theory-heavy system to a practical-focused education requires strategic planning and investment across all levels of education.

At the primary level, educators should introduce practical learning early on by incorporating more hands-on activities, such as science experiments, group projects, and interactive learning tools. This encourages curiosity and helps students understand the practical implications of what they are learning.
In secondary schools, vocational training should become a core part of the curriculum. Schools need to partner with industries, organizations, and artisans to expose students to real-world skills. Projects such as building machines, creating art installations, or even running school businesses would allow students to apply classroom knowledge in practical ways.

At the tertiary level, universities and colleges must collaborate with industries to integrate internships, fieldwork, and hands-on projects into every course. Whether it’s engineering students working on real construction sites or business students managing live projects, practical experience should be the cornerstone of higher education.

Universities should also invest in modern labs, workshops, and technology centers to give students access to the tools they will encounter in their future careers.

The future of Nigeria depends on the ability of its education system to produce graduates who are not just theoretically knowledgeable but also practically skilled. A 90% practical approach would ensure that students, from primary school through to tertiary institutions, are equipped to tackle real-world problems, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society.

The shift to a practical-based education system is not just necessary but urgent. By rebalancing the scales and dedicating more time to hands-on learning, Nigeria can build a future where its youth are empowered, its workforce is skilled, and its economy is vibrant. The time for change is now.

– Jekeli writes from Centre for Social Justice, Abuja