Lagos: Nigeria’s struggling education system came under sharp scrutiny on Saturday, as alumni of Victory High School‘s 1981 set gathered in Lagos to mark their 45th anniversary — turning what might have been a celebratory reunion into a forceful call for reform.
Mr Babatunde Sosina, Chief Responsibility Officer of Information Builders, Nigeria, spoke on ‘Education: Restoring Credibility and Relevance in a Changing Nigeria’.
Building on this, Sosina emphasised that the widening gap between past and present standards reflected not only declining quality but also eroding trust and value in the system.
He asserted certificates fail to guarantee success, as graduates now must acquire additional skills, exposure, or luck to secure meaningful work.
He insisted, “The difference today is both quality and credibility. In the past, certificates carried authority.
He continued, “Now, a certificate is no guarantee. Students need extra hustle, exposure, or even luck to translate learning into livelihood.”
Sosina added, “So, we hear the slang ‘School na scam’. It isn’t, and it shouldn’t be.”
He demanded, “When education becomes an expensive gamble, what, exactly, is schooling’s promise today?”
Sosina maintained that restoring confidence requires increased funding and a decisive upgrade in infrastructure across the education sector.
Sosina emphasised, “Addressing inadequate funding is critical. There must be deliberate investment in infrastructure and learning facilities.”
He emphasised the need for investment in laboratories, classrooms, and technology to create a conducive learning environment.
In addition to infrastructure and funding, Sosina addressed curriculum reforms, urging the prioritisation of vocational skills, agriculture, and ICT to boost employability and wealth creation.
According to Sosina, “We must reform the curriculum to reflect present realities, focusing on practical skills that make graduates job-ready and self-reliant.”
He demanded enhanced teacher training, fairer pay, and ongoing professional development to fortify the system.
He advocated stronger quality assurance mechanisms, particularly in underserved rural areas, to ensure uniform standards nationwide.
He further urged a value reorientation through moral education and social justice to promote patriotism, discipline, and ethical leadership.
Sosina concluded, “Education must not only equip students intellectually but also instil values that shape responsible citizens and future leaders.”
Earlier in the meeting, Mr Kayode Abiodun, President of the alumni, noted that the VHS 1981 set had been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
He said the group’s constitution had been approved and that its Board of Trustees had been formally incorporated.
Abiodun noted efforts were ongoing to expand the current three-member Board in line with stipulated rules.
He disclosed that the VHS ’81 Cooperative Society had also been registered and had received certification on June 20, 2025.
He described the cooperative as a major step toward promoting thrift and supporting members in wealth creation.
Abiodun commended Akwa Ibom Governor, Mr Umo Eno, for his generosity and noted his continued support as a member.
He added that the group renovated the school’s administrative block and toilets, and replaced stolen generator cables, in celebration of its Sapphire Jubilee.
According to him, additional capital projects are planned for both the school and association once more funds are secured.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Kolawole Macauley, presented the group’s financial report, while the General Secretary outlined first-quarter activities.
The alumni honoured individuals who contributed to educational development and presented gifts to members.
