Entrepreneurship Education From The Grassroots: A Call To Rethink Nigeria's Education System - By Agmada Zakaria

The world is changing rapidly. With the growth of technology, creativity and globalization, the value of what a person can create, innovate ...

The world is changing rapidly. With the growth of technology, creativity and globalization, the value of what a person can create, innovate and contribute to society is becoming increasingly important. In today’s world, education should not be measured only by certificates and academic qualifications, but also by the practical skills and solutions individuals can offer.

It is against this background that I believe the Nigerian government should consider introducing entrepreneurship education from the grassroots level, particularly in primary schools.

Entrepreneurship education should not be reserved for universities and higher institutions. Children should be introduced at an early age to creativity, innovation, problem-solving and practical skills that can prepare them for the realities of the future. Such education can help young Nigerians discover their talents and develop the confidence to turn ideas into useful products and services.

We can learn from countries that have placed strong emphasis on practical and innovative education. For instance, reports of practical technology and innovation activities among schoolchildren in countries such as China demonstrate the importance of exposing young minds to creativity and making things from an early age. Nigeria can study such approaches and adapt them to our own educational and economic realities.

Imagine a Nigerian primary school student learning how to make simple technological devices, agricultural tools, crafts, software or other useful products. Such exposure could inspire creativity and gradually develop a generation of innovators, manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

To our dear nation, this is not a command; it is a call to action, a call to embrace a new era. If we want to build a stronger and more self-reliant Nigeria, we must begin by investing in the minds and abilities of our children.

Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and natural resources. We have talented young people, agricultural opportunities, minerals and other resources that can contribute significantly to national development. However, resources alone cannot transform a nation. We need knowledge, innovation, skills and effective policies to turn those resources into sustainable development.

As the world becomes increasingly globalized and technology-driven, Nigeria cannot afford to remain focused solely on producing graduates who possess certificates without adequate practical skills. Our educational system must evolve with the changing demands of society.

The saying that “failure to plan is planning to fail” should serve as a reminder to policymakers. If we want a better Nigeria tomorrow, we must begin planning and investing in that Nigeria today and that investment should start from the grassroots.

Introducing entrepreneurship education at the primary-school level could be an important step toward building a generation that does not only seek employment but also creates employment opportunities for others.

The future of Nigeria depends greatly on what we teach and empower our children to become today. Let us therefore rethink our approach to education, encourage creativity from an early age and give our young people the skills they need to compete in a rapidly changing world.

God bless Nigeria.

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