Former Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo recently highlighted the critical state of the country's education system, stating that Nigeria is "paying a heavy price" for years of neglect. During a lecture at Igbobi College in Lagos, he asserted that the Nigerian schools are fundamentally "broken" due to lack of funding and proper resources. Osinbajo's candid assessment comes as the nation grapples with the ramifications of insufficient educational investment, which has long-term implications for the country’s future.

Reflecting on Nigeria's educational history, Osinbajo pointed out that every investment made in schooling is essentially an investment in the nation’s future. He emphasized the importance of educational institutions that were once resilient and capable of producing competent leaders, attributing their stability to deliberate protective measures undertaken by early Nigerian leaders. Such historical context serves to underline the drastic shifts in the attitudes towards education and the increasing vulnerability faced by many schools today.

Osinbajo’s remarks, although coming from a former administration implicated in the ongoing issues, serve as a wake-up call for current leadership and stakeholders. To build a robust educational framework, he stressed the necessity of establishing educational endowments and ensuring adequate funding. As Nigeria moves forward, addressing these urgent challenges will be vital for fostering a new generation that can steer the country towards progress and resilience against future challenges.