The Education System in Nigeria

The Nigerian government provides free education but attendance is not obligatory at any level. According to the Nigerian National Planning Commission 2004 report, the country’s educational system is “dysfunctional” characterized by crumbling institutions and ill-prepared graduates. Education in Nigeria consists of the primary school (6 years), junior secondary school (3 years), senior secondary school (3 years), and university education (4 years or more).

Subjects taught in primary education include English, mathematics, bible knowledge, science subjects, and 3 native languages – Hausa, Yoruba, and Ibo. Students are required to take the Common Entrance Examination after 6 years to be admitted into the Federal and State Government schools. State-owned secondary schools get funds from each state government while private secondary tend to be more expensive with annual average tuition fees of $1000-$2000.

Nigeria has major control of university education. English is the official medium of instruction in the higher education. The academic year starts in October and ends in September. There are 13 Federal and 14 State owned polytechnic colleges in the country. Nigerian universities are usually grouped on the following categories: First Generation (key roles include manpower development, setting up basic standards for university education), Second Generation (focuses on scientific and technological advancement), Third Generation (specializes in agricultural technologies), State, and Private.