The Chief Executive Officer, Innovative Biotech Nigeria, Dr Simon Agwale, has called for a fundamental reform of Nigeria’s education system to shift the focus from certificates and examinations to skills, innovation and productivity.

Mr Agwale, who is also Vice-Chair of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative (AVMI), made the call during an interview on Sunday.

He said Nigeria needed an education system capable of preparing young people for the realities and demands of the 21st century.

According to him, education should equip students with practical skills, critical thinking, creativity, digital competence, strong values and the ability to solve real-life problems.

He said reform should begin at the primary school level, where the foundation for lifelong learning could be established.

He said every Nigerian child should have access to quality basic education, irrespective of location or economic background.

“Greater emphasis should be placed on literacy, numeracy, science, communication, creativity and problem-solving Children should also be introduced early to digital literacy and responsible use of technology,” he said.

Mr Agwale said teaching should move away from excessive memorisation to inquiry, experimentation, teamwork and “learning by doing.”

He called for increased investment in well-trained and motivated teachers, functional classrooms, libraries, laboratories, reliable electricity, internet access and appropriate learning materials.

He said secondary education should increasingly reflect the skills required by society and the economy.

According to him, students should have greater exposure to technology, artificial intelligence, coding, biotechnology, agriculture, engineering, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, climate and environmental studies, and vocational education.

He also called for a change in the perception that university education is the only pathway to success.

“Secondary schools should provide strong technical and vocational pathways in areas such as electrical and mechanical technology, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, information and communication technology, healthcare support and renewable energy.

“Such pathways should enable students to graduate with competencies that can lead directly to employment, entrepreneurship, further technical education or to university,” he said.

He further called for reform of the assessment system, saying students’ success should not depend almost entirely on high-stakes examinations.

“Students should be evaluated through a combination of examinations, practical work, projects, continuous assessment, innovation, teamwork and problem-solving,” he said.

Mr Agwale said technology could help expand access to quality education, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

He said that digital learning platforms could help address shortages of qualified teachers and provide students with access to quality educational resources.

He, however, said that technology should complement teachers rather than replace them.

The biotech expert said educational reform should also promote character, citizenship, ethics, discipline, leadership and national responsibility.

He said Nigeria needed young people who were not only knowledgeable but also innovative, ethical, productive and committed to contributing positively to society.

He said the ultimate goal should be to transform Nigeria’s education system from a certificate-driven model to one driven by knowledge, skills, innovation and productivity.

“Primary education should build strong foundations and foster curiosity, while secondary education should develop competence, specialisation, creativity, and multiple pathways into employment, entrepreneurship, technical education, or higher education.

“Nigeria’s greatest resource is its young population. Reforming education to unlock their potential is, therefore, not simply an educational priority.

“It is fundamental to the country’s economic development, technological advancement, national security and future competitiveness,” he said.

(NAN)