Rethinking Learning in Nigeria

On January 22, 2026, Onelife Initiative joined education stakeholders in Oyo State to commemorate the International Day of Education. The event, hosted by Bramble Network at the Local Government Training Centre, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan brought together students, educators, schools, and non-governmental organisations. With the theme “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education,” the dialogue created a space for honest conversations about the role young people can play in shaping Nigeria’s education system. 

Discussions during the panel session focused on how youth voices can influence learning within homes, schools, and communities. One speaker highlighted that about 20 million children in Nigeria are out of school, emphasising the urgency of education reform. The Keynote speaker challenged long-held perceptions of young people as passive learners, noting that youth should be seen as active contributors to knowledge. “Nigeria’s education system, shaped by colonial history, was designed to produce compliance rather than critical thinking.”

Students’ contributions during the dialogue further revealed the realities within many schools. They spoke about the need for technology-enabled classrooms, digital literacy training for teachers, improved hygiene and sanitation, reliable electricity, security, and basic learning tools, particularly in public and rural schools. These needs are not unique to Nigeria. Countries such as South Africa and Kenya have made consistent investments in education infrastructure and teacher development, demonstrating that progress is achievable with sustained commitment.

Beyond infrastructure, deeper systemic challenges persist. Curricula often prioritise examinations over practical skills, classrooms remain overcrowded, and teacher morale continues to decline due to poor remuneration and limited training opportunities. In contrast, countries like Germany, China, India, and the Netherlands have pursued reforms that emphasise innovation, skills development, and technology integration. A practical example within Nigeria can be seen in a Primary Four classroom in Ota, Ogun State, where technology-supported, connection-based learning significantly improved students’ English proficiency.

For us at Onelife Initiative, we also believe that educational reforms cannot succeed without the inclusion of youth perspectives. Empowering young people as co-creators of learning is essential to building an education system that supports innovation, leadership, and social transformation. The International Day of Education Stakeholders’ Dialogue in Oyo State represented an important step toward a more inclusive, responsive, and adaptive education system in Nigeria.