The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the real goal of education. – Martin Luther King, Jr

Education is vital for individual, community, and national growth. It is a key tool that can drive social, economic, and political transformation across Africa. Governments have done little to improve the African education sector, so the responsibility shouldn’t rest solely on them. To build a brighter future, we must focus heavily on revitalizing nursery, primary, and secondary education in most African nations, especially in West Africa, where these sectors are in dire condition. In some areas, school facilities are falling apart—buildings are in ruins, some lack roofs, and students are forced to learn outdoors under the sun. Records show children attending flooded classrooms, roofless halls, and facing poor learning environments. Some teachers are not qualified professionals but unemployed individuals. Salaries are often withheld—reasons unclear—and this needs to change. To improve teaching effectiveness, I recommend ongoing training for teachers and the education workforce because knowledge is constantly evolving. We must adopt new teaching methods, familiar with our culture, leveraging the internet and other media. We have to teach in our mother tongue. Payment issues also undermine the profession; public school teachers are sometimes unpaid for months, killing their morale. Private school teachers are similarly underpaid relative to their qualifications. Management should incorporate technical and commercial education into the curriculum. Not all students care for subjects like Math or History, but many can be engaged through art and drawing. We can foster a diverse academic environment that develops skills and talents from the ground up while ensuring primary education covers a broad range of disciplines. The current system of assigning core status to certain subjects should be abolished, allowing students to explore their interests and strengths at their own pace. The government should partner with the private sector to renovate schools and provide necessary materials for teachers and learners. Schools should also teach in local languages alongside the lingua franca. True success begins from within, and with concerted effort, change is possible. I will share more thoughts on Africa later. Have a great day.

Good morning from West Africa.