Abuja, Nigeria – March 10, 2025 – The Etsu of Kwali, His Royal Highness Luka Nizassan, has raised alarm over the declining state of basic education in the Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), citing severe infrastructural deficits, teacher shortages, and inadequate learning materials.
- Deteriorating Infrastructure: Numerous schools in Kwali operate with dilapidated classrooms, insufficient furniture, and a lack of essential learning aids.
- Shortage of Qualified Teachers: A persistent deficit in trained educators has significantly hindered the quality of education.
- Insufficient Learning Resources: Many schools lack the necessary textbooks, writing materials, and other instructional tools crucial for effective learning.
The Etsu added, “Ideally, public schools are supposed to set the standards for private schools. If the public schools are turning out students from primary schools who cannot read and write, then what will become of the standard of the private schools?”
While appealing to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to address the problem, Mr. Nizassan commended his intervention programme in renovating one of the oldest primary schools in the community.
In an interview at his palace in Kwali Area Council, the traditional ruler stated that basic education in Abuja “is substandard and requires urgent policies to improve it.”
Mr. Nizassan reiterated the urgent need for a stakeholders’ meeting to conduct a total review and overhaul of the basic education system. He also admonished those with oversight functions in primary schools to take decisive action and fulfill their responsibilities.
The Etsu emphasized that he had drawn the attention of the Local Education Authority to the challenges, stressing that the issue was not merely a community-based problem but a broader policy concern.
During a stakeholders’ meeting held in Kwali, the Etsu appealed to federal and FCT authorities to implement immediate reforms, including:
- Increased Funding: Allocating more resources to the education sector to address existing deficits.
- Teacher Welfare and Development: Enhancing remuneration and providing professional training programs to attract and retain qualified educators.
- School Rehabilitation and Modernization: Upgrading existing structures and ensuring schools are equipped with modern learning facilities.
He also encouraged private sector participation and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support the education system through funding, infrastructural development, and capacity-building initiatives.
Local education officials and community leaders acknowledged the severity of the situation and vowed to collaborate in implementing sustainable solutions. Parents and students also voiced their concerns, stressing the urgent need for decisive action to improve learning environments and educational outcomes.
Policy Implications and the Path Forward:
As Nigeria continues its broader education reform agenda, Kwali serves as a critical case study for addressing systemic deficiencies in basic education. The call for urgent intervention underscores the need for comprehensive policies, increased investment, and a concerted effort by all stakeholders to revitalize the sector.
