By Ogunbowale, Tolulope Sobiye
Education is widely recognised as the foundation of national development, social stability and economic progress. In Nigeria, many investments have been made in the education sector yet the system continues to struggle with the challenge of producing graduates who are truly competent and productive. Many learners leave school with certificates but without the practical skills and intellectual capacity required to function effectively in society. How can a graduate of computer science with 2:1 be unable to design a website?
This situation raises a concern about the functionality of education in the country. One of the most powerful solutions to this problem is effective education.
Effective education refers to an educational system that equips learners with relevant knowledge, practical skills, values and attitudes necessary for personal development and contribution to the society. It goes beyond memorizing for examination success. It involves critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to apply learning to real life situations. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s education system often prioritizes examination performance over actual competence which has resulted in graduates who are academically qualified but practically unqualified.
This gap between knowledge and application requires the urgent need for effective teaching as a corrective measure.
Effective teaching should not be limited to the teaching of subject content alone. It should involve the use of appropriate teaching methods, classroom management skills and the ability to adapt instruction to students’ various needs. An effective teacher is knowledgeable, considerate and committed to the success of the students. When teaching is effective, learning becomes fulfilling, interactive, and worthwhile.
In my country, Nigerian, several factors frustrate effective teaching. These may include overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teaching materials, poor infrastructure, insufficient teacher training, low motivation and poor remuneration as well as limited opportunities for professional development. Many teachers enter the profession without adequate preparation for modern teaching techniques. Some even lack access to continuous training that would enable them to update their skills. These inadequacies affect functional education. Teachers should be properly trained and supported for a remarkable educational outcome.
Understanding of subject matter improves the academic performance of the students and develops vital skills such as communication and critical reasoning. This approach ensures that education is not only theoretical but practical and relevant to the need of the society. In Nigeria, digitalization of Public Schools Initiative has been put in place, under which the Federal Government distributed over 1,000 interactive smart boards to public schools and trained teachers to use these digital tools effectively in classroom instruction. This initiative signals a shift from traditional “chalk-and-talk” methods to dynamic interactive methods that encourage student participation. Teachers are now empowered to integrate multimedia content into teaching thereby enhancing students’ understanding and retention of knowledge.
Students’ character and values can also be shaped through effective teaching . Teachers serve as role models, mentors and guides. Through their interactions with students they instill discipline, responsibility, ethical behavior. Students need to exhibit these qualities in order to be responsible citizens who can contribute positively to national development.
Where teaching is ineffective, students often become irresponsible, indisciplined and lackadaisical which could lead to poor learning outcomes and high dropout rates.
Furthermore, effective teaching requires continuous professional development. The world of knowledge is constantly changing and teaching methods must equally change . Teachers need regular training in modern teaching techniques, educational technology and learner psychology.
One of the measures taken includes UBEC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, launched a nationwide Teacher Professional Development initiative in 2025 to train over 223,000 teachers and school administrators in modern teaching methods to improve learning outcomes.
At the state level, Lagos State, through LASUBEB, implemented similar programmes focusing on strengthening Mathematics, Science, Early Grade Reading, and promoting student-centered instruction. Additionally, the FCT UBEB introduced AI training for teachers and education managers to enhance digital teaching, interactive learning in line with global educational standards. Without such support, even the most committed teachers may struggle to deliver quality education.
For functional education to be fully realized in Nigeria, deliberate efforts must also be made to improve teachers’ working conditions. Handsome salaries, prompt payment of wages, adequate teaching facilities and recognition of the teaching profession will boost teachers’ morale and commitment. When teachers are motivated and valued, they are more likely to invest their time and energy into the learning process, thereby improving educational outcomes. Isn’t it said that “to whom much is given, much is expected”?
Effective teaching stands as the most reliable weapon that can be used to fight the problem of non-functional education in Nigeria. It is the foundation upon which meaningful learning is built and the engine that drives educational transformation. Through competent, motivated and well-supported teachers, Nigeria can produce graduates who are intellectually sound, practically skilled, morally upright and socially responsible. Therefore, any serious attempt to reform Nigeria’s education system must place effective teaching at the center of its strategy. Only then can education truly become functional and capable of improving national development.
