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By Polycarp Onwubiko

The Daily Sun, on October 19, 2023, featured a story titled: "Governor's Forum Backs State of Emergency in Education." The event took place at the "National Conference on the Learning Crises in Nigeria" in Abuja, organized by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF.

The central point of the conference was the call for both Governors and President Tinubu to allocate 15 percent and 25 percent of their budgets, respectively, to education.

However, it is disappointing to see that some southern state Governors participated in this event, which appears to be an unnecessary waste of public resources. At a time when Nigerians are demanding a substantial devolution of powers, aiming to restructure the imbalanced federation and restore true fiscal federalism, it's perplexing that southern state Governors endorsed this centralized approach.

President Tinubu, in his efforts to make his administration meaningful, should consider kickstarting the restructuring of the federation. This would reinstate the fundamental principles of a federal system where states or the six geopolitical zones act as new federating units, allowing them to address the specific needs and desires of their people in various sectors, including education.

The truth is that different regions in Nigeria have unique requirements. What the people of Anambra desire in education is not necessarily the same as what those in Zamfara or Kebbi state require. Therefore, the so-called "National Conference on the Learning Crises in Nigeria" seems impractical and nonsensical.

Southerners, particularly in the Southeast geopolitical zone, have demonstrated success in their primary and secondary education systems. For example, the Governor of Anambra state, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has actively hired thousands of teachers and healthcare workers, acknowledging the distinctive educational needs of his state.

It's time to end this futile posturing aimed at catering to the preferences of certain groups, especially in the North, who may have different preferences in areas like education and healthcare. This underscores the need for restructuring the imbalanced federation, allowing ethnic nationalities to independently shape policies, programs, and projects to meet their specific socioeconomic growth and development goals, without hindering others.

The irony is evident in the operation of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture when the federal government doesn't have land. Similarly, the Federal Ministry of Education is puzzling when various ethnic groups in the country have divergent educational interests. It's essential to recognize these differences and adapt policies accordingly.

Until Nigeria embraces true fiscal federalism through a comprehensive restructuring, the country may continue to face challenges. 

By Polycarp Onwubiko, Public Policy Analyst.