By Ishaq Abdulqodir Bukola
Public affairs analysts have raised concerns over the worsening state of Nigeria’s education sector, the growing brain drain and the challenges confronting pensioners across the country.
The concerns were expressed during a Newspaper Review and Analysis Programme, monitored by Ishaq Abdulqodir Bukola, where the analysts examined recent developments in the education and pension sectors.
Speaking on the resignation of over 200 lecturers at Kaduna State University and the threat of another strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Comrade Olaitan Arije attributed the development to poor remuneration, inadequate facilities and unfavourable working conditions.
He warned that the continued departure of lecturers could negatively affect students’ academic progress while further weakening the country’s university system.
Also contributing, Alhaji Abdulraheem Saka criticised the government over what he described as poor implementation of agreements reached with university lecturers. He noted that frequent industrial actions and shortages of academic staff could disrupt university education and further encourage skilled professionals to seek opportunities abroad.
The analysts linked the situation to the growing “Japa” phenomenon, noting that better remuneration, improved working conditions and greater career opportunities continue to attract Nigerian lecturers, doctors, engineers and other professionals to foreign countries.
They expressed concern that the continued exodus of skilled professionals could worsen Nigeria’s manpower shortage and undermine efforts to build a strong knowledge-based economy.
On the welfare of pensioners, the analysts welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Major General Junaid Bindawa to head the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, while stressing that the effectiveness of the appointment would ultimately depend on the implementation of policies that improve the living conditions of workers and retirees.
Alhaji Abdulraheem Saka also appealed to the Kwara State Government to clear outstanding gratuities and pension arrears owed to retirees, stressing that governments at all levels must give greater attention to the welfare of pensioners who, according to him, dedicated their productive years to public service.
The analysts emphasised that tackling Nigeria’s education crisis, reversing brain drain and improving the welfare of workers and pensioners would require more than government policies and announcements.
They called for effective implementation, sustained funding, accountability and stronger political commitment to ensure that policies translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
