Morohunkeji Orija is the Project Director for Goal-Oriented Performance in Out of School Time (GoalPOST), an after-school programme provided by the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC).  The programme supports students at risk of academic failure in high-poverty schools in the United States. In this interview with OPEYEMI BABALOLA, she shares her journey as an immigrant and offers insights into her role in providing enriching academic opportunities to students. 

How is your relocation experience in the U.S.?
It is both challenging and rewarding. I moved to the United States to explore various strategies I can leverage to become a more dedicated and effective educator. Though it is not easy navigating a new culture and its educational system, this experience has given me firsthand insights into the struggles most immigrant students face in their new environments. These experiences inspired me to focus on research, exploring how schools can support and tailor instruction toward meeting students’ needs.

What motivates you to teach?
It is to make a meaningful impact on students. While growing up in Nigeria, for example, I observed how education could transform lives and how systemic barriers hindered many children’s potential. However, initially, I did not like becoming an educator. So, moving to the U.S. and experiencing the challenges of navigating a new environment as a parent further fueled my desire to bridge the gap and support students, especially newcomers and those from underserved communities. These are some of the things that I have been doing.

What would you say if you compare Nigeria’s education curriculum with that of the U.S.?
The Nigerian school curriculum, focusing on subjects like English Language, Mathematics, and Science, aligns with the U.S. curriculum in many aspects. However, the Nigerian curriculum is more teacher-centered. It emphasises structured instruction and authoritative classroom management, which help to instill discipline and respect in students. In contrast, the U.S. curriculum emphasises collaboration and individualised learning. The U.S. system also encourages students to participate more actively in learning activities. While Nigeria follows a more centralised structure, the U.S. system allows states and local school districts to adopt standards to meet diverse community needs.

What is the GoalPOST project all about?
GoalPOST is an after-school programme provided by the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centres and administered by Clemson University to support at-risk students in high-poverty and low-performing schools. In my role as the project director, my roles include hiring and training prospective educators to provide enrichment academic and social-emotional support to students, designing enrichment activities to meet students’ unique needs, providing instructional supervision and mentorship to educators, organising professional development sessions for educators, creating opportunities for meaningful family engagement, leading the comprehensive process of gathering and submitting programme data to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme, managing the financial aspects of the grant, ensuring that the budget is used efficiently and complies with all federal and state regulations.

How can this model be domesticated in Nigeria?
The model can be adapted by addressing local challenges like resource constraints, emphasising low-cost and community-based interventions such as mentorship programmes, peer tutoring, and incorporating hands-on activities into instructional practices.

You once lived in Nigeria; what is your view on government’s policies on education?
Nigeria’s education policies reserve a great potential to transform the nation; however, challenges such as insufficient funding and limited stakeholder engagement need to be addressed. We can achieve this by prioritising increased funding, investing in teacher training and empowering local communities to adapt policies to their unique needs. Negotiating stronger evaluation systems, emphasising family engagement, involving private organisations and international stakeholders. With these steps, Nigeria can create a robust and innovative education system that reflects the resilience and aspirations of Nigerians.

How do you see Nigerian graduates meeting industry needs?
The gap between Nigerian graduates and industry needs presents an opportunity for improvement. While universities provide strong theoretical knowledge, there is a growing focus on aligning education with practical skills that employers require. Many graduates nowadays are developing essential skills like effective communication, teamwork, and digital literacy. Internships and partnerships between universities and industries also give students valuable real-world experience. By strengthening the connection between education and industry, Nigerian graduates are better prepared for the job market.