Education Crisis in Enugu State- Alarming Statistics Reveal 50% of Pupils Struggle with Basic Literacy and Numeracy

The Secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, has said that 50% of the pupil population in Enugu State can neither read in English nor solve simple mathematics questions.

According to Prof. Onyia, the inability of half the pupil population in Enugu State to read in English or solve basic mathematical problems is a cause for great concern. This revelation points to a systemic issue that extends beyond Enugu, reflecting a nationwide struggle to provide foundational education to young minds. The dire state of literacy and numeracy proficiency is not confined to a single state but is symptomatic of a larger problem within the Nigerian education system.

One of the primary reasons behind the educational crisis in Enugu and across Nigeria is the lack of adequate infrastructure. Many schools, especially in rural areas, suffer from dilapidated buildings, insufficient learning materials, and a dearth of qualified teachers. These conditions contribute to a subpar learning environment that hampers students’ ability to acquire essential skills.

The revelation by Prof. Onyia underscores the urgent need for increased investment in the education sector. A lack of funding has led to a shortage of trained teachers, outdated learning materials, and inadequate facilities. Without a commitment to investing in education, the cycle of poor literacy and numeracy outcomes will persist.

The curriculum in many Nigerian schools may not align with the evolving needs of the students. A reassessment of the curriculum, incorporating modern teaching methods and relevant content, is essential to ensure that pupils are equipped with the skills necessary for the contemporary world.

Onyia said this while giving his keynote address titled, “Smart Basic Education and the Future of Africa” at the quadrennial convention of the Old Boys Association of Union Secondary School, Awkunanaw, on Thursday in Enugu.

He further noted that the state uncovered the shortcomings in the literacy and numeracy proficiency of pupils in the state when the state government conducted a Baseline Assessment of primary schools in the state in November 2023.

“Our findings were shocking. After six years of primary school, 50 per cent of our children cannot read a single word in English and those who can read struggle with comprehension.
“50% of our children cannot solve simple subtraction challenges. What we found out in Enugu State is written large across our nation,” Onyia said.

Furthermore, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government noted that he was disappointed that in Nigeria, 3 out of 4 children who completed basic education lack numeracy and literacy proficiency.

“The World Bank, UNICEF, and UNESCO have defined this as ‘the Nigerian Learning Crisis’.
“On top of this, our children suffer a “Skills Gap” because existing modes of teaching do not equip children with scientific, technological, productive, and digital competencies,” Onyia added.

Mr Onyia, however, revealed that the state government education policy has been repositioned to integrate innovative technologies into education, particularly at the basic education level, with the goal that it would drive industrial growth.

According to him, the Enugu State Government is already addressing the numeracy and literacy proficiency gap through well-thought-out radical policy initiatives, such as the introduction of a smart school model across the 260 electoral wards in the state.

Recall that about two months ago, Nairametrics reported Gov. Peter Mbah had revealed his administration’s plans to build a model smart school in each of the 260 wards of Enugu State in 14 months.

The revelation made by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government regarding the dire state of education in the state reflects a broader issue afflicting Nigeria. Addressing the literacy and numeracy challenges requires a multifaceted approach involving increased investment, curriculum reform, teacher training, and community engagement. As stakeholders grapple with these issues, it is imperative to recognize that the future of Nigeria’s education system hinges on collective efforts to provide every child with a solid foundation for success.