The Nigerian Academy of Education (NAE) has called for the declaration of a state of emergency in Nigeria’s education sector, warning that continued neglect of the system would stall national progress.
The call came as the Academy marked its 40th anniversary and held its 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja.
President of the Academy, Professor Kabiru Isyaku, described the milestone as a moment for both celebration and sober reflection.
“NAE believes that Nigeria can achieve significant development if the right attention, funding, and actions are given to education.”
Founded in 1985, the Academy serves as the apex body for seasoned educationists and policy experts in the country.
According to Isyaku, NAE has consistently advised the government on key education issues and helped shape major reforms such as the National Teacher Education Policy (NTEP) and the professionalisation of teaching.
He expressed concern that “many schools are highly populated by non-teachers while thousands of qualified ones are jobless,” urging regulatory agencies to enforce standards that ensure only certified teachers handle classrooms.
The professor also called for a halt in the proliferation of tertiary institutions without adequate facilities or personnel.
“The Federal Government’s moratorium on establishing new universities is commendable. We must equip and strengthen existing ones before expanding further,” he said.
Isyaku further noted that the National Policy on Education, last reviewed over a decade ago, must be urgently updated to reflect new realities such as technology integration and artificial intelligence.
He commended the government’s recent education loan scheme but stressed that bursaries for student-teachers should continue to attract bright minds into the profession.
Representing the Deputy Senate President, Senator Babangida Hussaini pledged legislative support for reforms that will uplift the sector. “You can count on the National Assembly to back any initiative that promotes quality education, teacher development, and innovation,” he assured.
Similarly, Claris Ujam, Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, commended the Academy’s longevity and impact. “It is not easy for an institution of this nature to thrive for 40 years without losing focus or integrity,” she said.
Ujam outlined government priorities in technology, skills development, STEM education, and reducing the number of out-of-school children. “We must move from certificates to skills that make our youth globally relevant,” she added.
The 40th anniversary of NAE inducted 38 new members, elevated six to fellowship status, and honoured six distinguished Nigerians, including Senator Barau Jibrin, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, and Dr. Angela Ajala, for their contributions to education.
The highlight of the Congress was a lecture by Emeritus Professor PAI Obanya, one of NAE’s surviving foundation members, on the Academy’s contribution to Nigeria’s educational development.
