In Abuja’s satellite towns, many so-called private schools are springing up in rented apartments and makeshift buildings, raising fears about the future of education in Nigeria’s capital.
A visit to some of these schools showed a worrying trend: unqualified teachers, no libraries, no laboratories, no playgrounds, and in some cases, unsafe environments for children.
At a three-bedroom flat in Kurudu, a young woman was seen teaching four children. She admitted the “school” had no curriculum.
“I teach them the things I believe they should know. I teach English, Mathematics, Civic Education, Christian Religious Studies, and Basic Science. The parents love what I do here, and they support me,” she said.
But the woman, who refused to say if she had formal training as a teacher, also acknowledged her limitations.
“It is my love for teaching that inspired me. I will go back to school soon,” she added.
At Lifespring Academy, also in Kurudu, students use a public field for sports because the school lacks space. A resident, Mr. Joshua, said education was turning into business.
“Everything is turning to business, and we should be worried. We must not manage two things: education and health. If health and education facilities are substandard, let us not expect much to reap thereafter,” he warned.
In Orozo, Graceland International Academy presents a fine building but pays its teachers poorly. One teacher said, “While management frequently increases school fees, the same does not reflect in the salaries of teachers who do the bulk of the work.”
Perhaps the most unsafe is Potter’s Legacy Ville Academy in Anka. The unfenced school, located along a busy expressway, exposes pupils to dangers such as abduction and noise pollution.
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Teachers across these schools also face heavy workloads and low pay. Mr. Haruna Kebe, a Mathematics teacher in Nyanya, said proprietors exploit teachers because of job scarcity.
“Most of the teachers are overworked. I once taught Mathematics, Physics, Basic Science, and Basic Technology all at once. These people don’t care about the staff’s mental health. They are only interested in what comes into their pockets, ” he said.
Kebe also warned against businessmen and religious bodies turning schools into money-making ventures.
“People are setting up schools as business ventures. Many of them are not educationists. This is a grave concern we must address as a nation,” he said.
Another teacher in Jikwoyi, identified as Chidi, called on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) education inspectors to act.
“Ultimately, it is the future of the young ones we are jeopardising,” he said.
School proprietor Mustapha Haruna of Discovery International Academy, Suleja, urged for passion and due process.
“Education is not about making money. If you are making money and not impacting the lives of pupils and students, you have no reason to remain in the system,” he told reporters.
Stakeholders fear that if the government fails to enforce standards, these “business centres” disguised as schools may destroy the foundation of Nigeria’s education system.