Declining Interest in Education Raises Alarm Across Nigerian Classrooms

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26/01/26 • 79 ビュー • 0 シェア • に発表されました他の

Across classrooms in Nigeria, a quiet but troubling trend is taking shape as students increasingly lose interest in formal education. From primary schools to universities, motivation is waning, academic engagement is weakening, and many young people are beginning to question the value of schooling in today’s society.

Education experts warn that the growing apathy is not accidental but driven by a mix of socio-economic pressures, digital culture, unemployment, and systemic failures within the education sector—factors that threaten Nigeria’s long-term human capital development.

Economic Pressure and Survival Choices

One major driver of student disengagement is economic hardship. For many families, education is now seen as a luxury rather than a reliable path to success.

With over 40 per cent of Nigerians living below the poverty line, many students are forced to prioritise income-generating activities over schooling. In several communities, classrooms are being replaced with markets, workshops and online hustles, as students turn to petty trading, artisan work and digital jobs to support their families.

Financial constraints remain a leading cause of school dropout in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria among the most affected, further weakening students’ commitment to long-term education.

The Unemployment Paradox

Ironically, the growing number of unemployed graduates is also discouraging younger students. Many now question the relevance of education when degree holders struggle to secure jobs.

Despite increasing numbers of university and polytechnic graduates, youth unemployment remains high, reinforcing the perception that certificates no longer guarantee economic stability.

Education analyst Dr. Aisha Bello explains that when students observe graduates battling for survival, it creates psychological disillusionment.

“When students see educated people struggling, they naturally doubt the value of schooling. That mindset gradually erodes commitment to learning,” she said.

Social Media and the Culture of Instant Success

The rise of social media has further reshaped attitudes toward education. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube promote stories of instant wealth and fame, making years of study appear slow and unattractive.

Many students now aspire to become influencers, content creators or online entrepreneurs rather than professionals built through structured education. Excessive screen time and digital distraction have also reduced concentration levels and classroom participation.

As a result, formal education is increasingly viewed as optional rather than essential.

Systemic Challenges in the Education Sector

Beyond personal choices, structural weaknesses continue to undermine student interest. Overcrowded classrooms, outdated curricula, poor infrastructure, frequent strikes and under-motivated teachers create an unstable learning environment.

Nigeria still carries the burden of millions of out-of-school children, and inconsistent academic calendars make schooling appear unreliable. Experts argue that when learning conditions are poor, students struggle to see education as valuable or inspiring.

Psychological and Emotional Strain

Mental health concerns among students are also rising. Pressure to succeed, family expectations and uncertainty about the future generate anxiety, frustration and low self-esteem.

Studies show that students experiencing chronic stress are more likely to withdraw from academic activities, further deepening the cycle of disengagement across campuses and classrooms.

Implications for Nigeria’s Future

The decline in students’ interest in education carries serious implications for national development. Education remains a cornerstone of innovation, economic growth and social stability. If young Nigerians continue to lose faith in schooling, the country risks producing a generation ill-prepared for a competitive, knowledge-driven global economy.

The Way Forward

Experts say urgent reforms are needed to restore confidence in education. These include aligning curricula with labour-market needs, strengthening technical and vocational education, improving teacher welfare, expanding digital learning infrastructure and creating clearer pathways from school to employment.

Parents, government, schools and the private sector must also work together to rebuild the narrative that education is not just about certificates but about empowerment, skills and transformation.

As Nigeria stands at a crossroads, the challenge remains clear: reimagine education in time to reignite students’ passion for learning, or risk allowing apathy to define the nation’s classrooms.

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