The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, ASUSS, Comrade Shola Adigun, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s secondary education system, stressing the need for improved infrastructure, teacher welfare, professional development and stronger implementation of government policies.
Speaking during an interview on Trade FM’s Breakfast Business Briefing, Adigun said quality secondary education should go beyond students merely obtaining examination certificates, arguing that schools must also prepare young Nigerians with the knowledge, skills, character and practical abilities required to contribute meaningfully to society.
He noted that secondary education should serve as a foundation for further learning, employment, entrepreneurship and responsible citizenship, rather than being reduced to preparation for examinations such as WAEC and JAMB.
According to him, one of the major challenges facing the sector is the gap between education policies and their implementation across schools.
Adigun maintained that although governments have introduced several policies aimed at improving education, inadequate implementation continues to prevent many schools from achieving the desired standards.
He also raised concerns about the condition of teachers, describing their morale as a major issue that requires urgent attention.
The ASUSS president said teachers are expected to produce quality students despite working in environments where infrastructure, teaching materials and other basic facilities are often inadequate.
He argued that improving teachers’ welfare and professional development must therefore be treated as a critical part of education reform.
Adigun also stressed the importance of moving beyond predominantly theoretical teaching and introducing more practical and skill-based learning into secondary schools.
He said teachers themselves must receive continuous training to enable them to adapt to changing educational demands, technological developments and new methods of teaching.
The union leader further called for a review of the secondary school curriculum, saying the education system must evolve in line with technological innovation and changing demands in the labour market.
He argued that students should be equipped not only to pursue university education but also to acquire vocational and occupational skills that can improve their chances of employment and entrepreneurship after secondary school.
On infrastructure, Adigun called for greater investment in school facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, teaching equipment and other learning resources.
He stressed that government must establish and enforce clear standards across secondary schools so that students, regardless of where they live, can have access to a reasonable quality of education.
He also advocated stronger support for schools in communities and greater collaboration among governments, teachers and other stakeholders in the education sector.
Looking ahead, Adigun said Nigeria’s secondary education system could produce a more skilled and productive workforce if the right reforms are properly implemented.
He urged authorities to prioritise infrastructure development, teacher training and welfare, curriculum reform, practical education and proper implementation of existing policies.
The ASUSS president maintained that improving secondary education is essential to Nigeria’s long-term development, as the quality of today’s students will ultimately determine the strength of the country’s future workforce and economy.
His comments come amid continuing concerns over the quality of learning, infrastructure and teacher welfare in Nigeria’s education system.
