The Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Biotech Nigeria, Dr Simon Agwale, has called for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s education system to shift its emphasis from certificates and examinations to practical skills, innovation and productivity.
Agwale, who is also the Vice-Chair of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative (AVMI), made the call during an interview on Sunday.
He said Nigeria needed an education system that would adequately prepare young people for the realities and demands of the 21st century.
According to him, education should go beyond academic qualifications by equipping students with practical skills, critical thinking, creativity, digital competence, strong values and the ability to solve real-world problems.
He said the reform should start from the primary school level, where the foundation for lifelong learning is established, adding that every Nigerian child should have access to quality basic education regardless of location or socioeconomic background.
“Greater emphasis should be placed on literacy, numeracy, science, communication, creativity and problem-solving. Children should also be introduced early to digital literacy and responsible use of technology,” he said.
Agwale advocated a shift from excessive memorisation to teaching methods that promote inquiry, experimentation, collaboration and learning by doing.
He also called for greater investment in qualified and motivated teachers, functional classrooms, libraries, laboratories, reliable electricity, internet connectivity and adequate learning materials.
According to him, secondary education should be redesigned to reflect the skills needed by society and the economy, with students given greater exposure to areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, coding, biotechnology, agriculture, engineering, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, climate studies and vocational education.
He further urged a change in the perception that university education is the only route to success.
“Secondary schools should provide strong technical and vocational pathways in areas such as electrical and mechanical technology, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, information and communication technology, healthcare support and renewable energy.
“Such pathways should enable students to graduate with competencies that can lead directly to employment, entrepreneurship, further technical education or to university,” he said.
The biotech expert also called for a review of Nigeria’s assessment system, arguing that students’ academic success should not depend almost entirely on high-stakes examinations.
He recommended a broader assessment approach combining examinations with practical work, projects, continuous assessment, innovation, teamwork and problem-solving.
Agwale said technology could play an important role in expanding access to quality education, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
He noted that digital learning platforms could help address shortages of qualified teachers while giving students access to quality educational resources. However, he stressed that technology should complement teachers rather than replace them.
He also said education reform should promote character development, citizenship, ethics, discipline, leadership and a sense of national responsibility.
According to him, Nigeria needs young people who are not only knowledgeable but also innovative, ethical, productive and committed to making positive contributions to society.
He said the ultimate objective should be to transform Nigeria’s education system from a certificate-driven model into one centred on knowledge, skills, innovation and productivity.
“Primary education should build strong foundations and foster curiosity, while secondary education should develop competence, specialisation, creativity, and multiple pathways into employment, entrepreneurship, technical education, or higher education.
“Nigeria’s greatest resource is its young population. Reforming education to unlock their potential is, therefore, not simply an educational priority.
“It is fundamental to the country’s economic development, technological advancement, national security and future competitiveness,” he said.
