Educational Decline in Nigeria: Archbishop Alaba Job’s Warning

The former President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has pointed fingers at successive administrations for failing to heed calls for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s education curriculum.

**Consequences of Inaction: A Generation Lost**
In a recent interview at Veritas University’s 13th convocation ceremony, where he received an Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon.D.LITT), Archbishop Job lamented that the lack of educational reform has resulted in a generation unable to differentiate between right and wrong.

**History’s Absence: A Threat to National Identity**
The Archbishop emphasized the detrimental effects of removing subjects like History from the curriculum, arguing that it undermines the nation’s identity. He criticized the government’s inaction since the 1980s despite numerous warnings.

**A Call to Action: The Importance of Curriculum Integrity**
“Removing History from education is tantamount to erasing our identity,” he stated, calling for urgent reforms to restore the essence of education in Nigeria.

**A Legacy of Concern: Job Reflects on His Career**
With a career spanning decades, Job, who began teaching in 1959, expressed disappointment over the government’s role in damaging the educational framework.

**Addressing Corruption Allegations Against Religious Leaders**
The Archbishop rejected claims that religious leaders are responsible for corruption in education, insisting that both government and non-government entities share a common dissatisfaction with the current situation.

**Moral and Spiritual Restoration Needed in Education**
He urged the government to tackle the spiritual and ethical shortcomings within Nigeria’s educational system, highlighting the need for a return to fundamental values.

**University Achievements Celebrated**
In response to Job’s comments, Vice Chancellor Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku praised Veritas University for its remarkable achievements over the past year, including victories in various national and international competitions.

**Encouragement for Graduates**
Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja, urged graduates to be proactive contributors to the nation’s development, especially amidst an era rich in information yet lacking in wisdom.