Challenge of learning and management poverty in the effective management of the values of Nigeria's old schools.

NIGERIA OLDEST SCHOOLS:

WHAT’S THE VALUE OF EACH SCHOOL?

There is a major challenge of learning and management poverty in the effective management of the values of Nigeria's old schools. The 2024/25 Africa Top Schools Report and Awards will focus on schools’ value management. We need to celebrate school leaders that are managing schools for growth.

Effective school management and delivering value in education can be complex, especially in developing countries where resources may be constrained. Factors like funding, teacher training, curriculum, infrastructure, and community engagement all play a role. We cannot be managing schools for value when school fees are kept constant (or increasing at a level abysmal to inflation) in a period of high inflation.  Value of schools will continue to nose dive where there is lack of collaboration between education and industry.

There is often a disconnect between the education sector and the industry/private sector in Nigeria. Stronger partnerships and collaborations are needed to bridge this gap. In developed economies, there are high cases of CEOs of reputable companies returning to teach after serving out their term of employment. In Nigeria/ Africa, Industry experts may not be adequately engaged or incentivized to participate in training and development programs for school leaders.

What has been the motivation for us at the Africa Brands Review team? A major motivation is the practicability and result orientation of our interventions in the education system. We are encouraged by schools that are having enviable testimonies, and increasing enrollment by effective application of knowledge gained from our workshops. Our star performing highly esteemed school brands are listed in the ATS 5-star rated platform on www.africatopschools.com. . For example, the Ambassador Schools Ota edge is due to the high industrial level experience of the founder (Mr. and Mrs. Osewa). The Ambassadors School is making a major difference in effective schools’ development and improvement systems in Nigeria.

There is a need for deliberate policy to encourage industry level engagement in the training and development of schools' manpower systems in Nigeria.  The identified problems are highly surmountable:

 a. Limited awareness and appreciation of industry expertise:

   - School owners and principals may not fully recognize the value that industry-level experience can bring to improving school management and leadership.

   - There could be a perception that educational qualifications and experience are the primary requirements for school leadership, without sufficient emphasis on practical management skills.

 b. Capacity and resource constraints:

   - Schools, especially in the public sector, may have limited budgets and resources to invest in comprehensive training programs that involve industry experts.

   - There may be a shortage of platforms or initiatives that facilitate the engagement of industry professionals in school leadership development.

 
 c. Regulatory and institutional barriers:

   - The education regulatory framework in Nigeria may not explicitly mandate or incentivize the involvement of industry experts in school management training.

   - Institutional policies and practices within the education system may not be structured to easily integrate industry-level expertise.

d. Resistance to change and innovation:

   - School owners and principals may be accustomed to traditional approaches to school management and be hesitant to embrace new perspectives from industry professionals.
    - There could be a cultural or attitudinal resistance to incorporating non-traditional expertise into school leadership development programs.

 How are we addressing these challenges at the Africa Brands Review?

 The major pillar of our intervention is the annual Africa Top 1000 Schools Report and Awards. The report was based initially on performances of schools in external examinations. However, we have now upgraded to 5-star Africa Top Schools (ATS) rating platform for total whole school evaluation. The 5-star ATS rating platform allows for informed comment on the ability of the school management to use the available resources and assets of a school for effective learning. It is expected that a 20-old school should have a better rating than a 5-year old school.

 Our other interventions to address noticeable challenges in the involvement of industry expert include:

1. Promoting stronger collaboration and partnerships between the education sector and industries/businesses. Learning Center Managers/ Training managers of blue chip companies are incorporated as facilitators in the Africa Brands Review moderated workshops. We mostly used knowledgeable experts as our workshops that are projected as annual conferences or summits. This system allows us to focus on new emerging issues yearly.

 2. Sensitizing school leaders on the value and importance of industry-level expertise for effective school management. Schools cannot stand aloof; they must produce students that meet the expectation of the users/ society. Students are well equipped with the ability to compete in the global economy.

 3. Developing comprehensive training programs that intentionally integrate industry experts and their practical experiences. We have the Africa problem solvers workshop, with sound emphasis on creativity and innovative practices.

4. Most of our workshops are highly subsidized, charging far below the applicable commercial rate. Providing financial and institutional support to facilitate the involvement of industry professionals in school leadership development.

5. Promoting a culture of openness and innovation within the education system to embrace diverse perspectives and expertise. The Africa Brands Review team has been in the forefront of best learning practices for international tours and visits to awards-winning schools within and outside Nigeria. School leaders must deliberately read and learn about the habits and practices of top management of leading blue chip companies.

By addressing these barriers, Nigeria schools can leverage industry-level experience to enhance the capabilities and performance of school owners and principals, ultimately improving the overall quality of education in the country. 

 

Joseph Ayodele, BSc, MBA, CMC, FAPCI, FIMC

Executive Secretary, Africa Brands Review