The persistent gap between what we expect and what we actually witness in Nigeria’s education sector demands urgent attention.
It is disheartening to see how the best graduating students are recognized in Nigeria federal universities. This issue reveals a broader problem of undervaluing education in our nation.
The federal government’s role in adequately funding our universities is not played properly. Proper funding is very important to nurturing and celebrating academic excellence.
At the recent 2024 combined convocation of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, it was commendable to see the University management recognizing the overall best graduating students across faculties.
However, a question lingers in my mind: Why weren’t these best graduating students given a platform to shine on the podium to receive a cash prize for the effort made towards that feat?
And I answer this myself. If Nigeria were a country where the federal government fully funded universities without relying on generated revenue for the university maintenance, the university would have taken from its pocket that moment to reward the brilliant minds without meeting in the departments.
This is not an isolated incident. Reports like the one from Premium Times about Bamisaye Toyin, who received a mere #200 as the best graduating student in Civil Engineering at Ekiti State University, or Ikmat Ibrahim Buruji foregoing a #2000 prize for topping the department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan in 2016, are concerning. Even Oluwole, a graduate from the computer science department in 2017, was awarded #2000 by his faculty dean and #1000 by a student association, which pales in comparison to the effort and dedication these students put into their studies.
The federal government must prioritize and encourage education. We need a system where every best brain in every university is not just acknowledged but celebrated.
This starts with adequate funding and policies that recognize and reward academic excellence appropriately.
It is essential to emphasize that this is a call for the attention of the federal government to aid every federal university to celebrate highest achievers and also a plea for a brighter future for education in Nigeria.
Let us work together to build a Nigeria where excellence in education is not just a GOAL but a CELEBRATED REALITY.
From the desk of Abdullateef Abdullahi (Asaliy).
Editor-in-chief, The News Digest Press
Masha Allah, May Almighty Allah Albarkatize their life after dis Degree