Transforming Secondary Education in Nigeria: Problems, Prospects and the Way Forward

Abstract

Secondary education is the education after primary education, but before tertiary education. It improves on primary education and serves as a basis upon which tertiary education is built. Because of the sensitivity of this phase of education being given within the formative years of the child, it is deserving of special attention by all stakeholders in the sector. With the adoption of analysis of reports and articles on secondary education in Nigeria, the paper submits that secondary education in Nigeria is in dire need of transformation if it would continue to maintain its importance in both the educational and national development of the country. Findings showed that the secondary phase of education is faced with several problems which have negatively impacted on its purpose. These include poor funding, low staff motivation, poor remuneration of staff, poor quality assurance, lack of basic and requisite personnel and poor quality control. Prospects for transformation of the sub-sector include increasing funding by both state and federal governments, regular and proffer supervision of schools, ensuring capacity building of staff and adequate staff motivation.