EDUCATIONAL REFORMS IN NIGERIA: THE KADUNA STATE TEACHERS’ COMPETENCY TEST

Abstract

This paper critically looked at the crisis generated by the teachers’ competency test in the Kaduna state. Which agitates for the reform of the educational sector in Nigeria. The article strongly supported the need for such reforms nevertheless, faulted the procedural executions which encompassed the Kaduna state Teachers’ Competency Test on the basis of some fundamental issues. The main issue of lack of standard in Nigeria education system was a concern for this paper. This paper reviewed some of the problems in the education system that should have been the crux of the reform. The teacher is an important variable that influences the learnedness of a nations citizenry. There are several skills which qualify a person as a teacher. The competency of a teacher can be characterized by the ability to learn, assimilate, understand and impact an acquired skill or knowledge following predefined standards and methods.  This requires a carefully planned investigation using tactical approaches, if the competency of a teacher is to be accessed. This paper argued that for a reform in the educational sector to enhance sustainable development, there must be good governance and a populace free of corruption within and outside the education system.  The article suggested some areas where the Nigerian education requires reform such as teacher education, teachers’ condition of service and the school curricula vis-à-vis the Kaduna state teachers’ competency test.

Aina, J. K. | School of science and mathematics education, University of the Western Cape, South Africa, Bellville, Western Cape