Why the 6334 System of Education in Nigeria Needs an Urgent Revamp
The 6-3-3-4 system of education in Nigeria was implemented in 1982, with the goal of providing quality education that aligns with the country’s development needs. However, after more than three decades of its implementation, it has become apparent that the system needs an urgent revamp.
The Current State of Education in Nigeria
It is no secret that education in Nigeria is in crisis. The quality of education offered in public schools is generally poor, and access to quality education is limited to a privileged few who can afford private schools. The literacy rate in Nigeria is at 59%, and it is estimated that 13 million Nigerian children are out of school.
The Problems with the 6-3-3-4 System of Education
The 6-3-3-4 system of education in Nigeria is based on six years of primary education, followed by three years of junior secondary education, three years of senior secondary education, and four years of university education. However, this system has several problems that need to be addressed.
First and foremost, the system is too long, with students spending a total of 17 years in school before they can acquire a university degree. This is much longer than other countries with comparable education systems. The long duration of the system also leads to high drop-out rates and a large number of children out of school.
Secondly, the curriculum is too academic, with little attention paid to vocational training and skill acquisition. This means that graduates of the system are often ill-equipped to enter the job market, leading to a high rate of unemployment.
Finally, the system is poorly funded, leading to a lack of infrastructure and resources in schools. This has resulted in poor educational outcomes and a negative impact on the quality of education offered.
The Way Forward
To revamp the 6-3-3-4 system of education in Nigeria, several things need to be done. Firstly, the system needs to be shortened and made more efficient, with an emphasis on practical and vocational education. This will ensure that graduates are better equipped for the job market and can contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Secondly, the curriculum needs to be reviewed and updated to reflect current economic realities and the needs of the job market. This will ensure that graduates are better prepared to meet the demands of the job market.
Finally, the government needs to invest more in education, both in terms of funding and infrastructure. This will help to improve the quality of education in public schools, increase access to quality education, and reduce the number of children out of school.
Conclusion
The 6-3-3-4 system of education in Nigeria is in dire need of a revamp. The system is too long, too academic, and poorly funded, leading to high drop-out rates, a lack of vocational training, and poor educational outcomes. To address these challenges, the system needs to be shortened, made more efficient, and updated to reflect current economic realities. The government also needs to invest more in education to improve the quality of education in public schools and increase access to quality education. Only then can Nigeria develop a strong and skilled workforce that can contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic development.
