The President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, Professor Sola Akinrinade, has called for urgent intervention to halt the ugly trend of decline in the quality of entrants into the Nigerian university system.

Prof. Akinrinade stated this yesterday in Abuja at a policy review workshop on ‘Strengthening the Educational System in Nigeria Through STEAM’ Organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science, Nigerian Academy of Letters, and the Nigerian Young Academy (NYA) and sponsored by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The President emphasised the need for urgent and concerted efforts from all stakeholders to reverse the decline in the quality of entrants. “This alarming trend must be addressed promptly to ensure a prosperous future for Nigeria’s education system,” he said.

Professor Akinrinade dismissed the notion that the decline is a result of lowered prescribed educational standards, arguing that the standards at the Basic and Senior Secondary Levels have increased.

According to the academic, the root of the problem lies in the implementation of these standards, which have become suspect over the years.

He noted that the poor performance of Nigerian university entrants spans across disciplinary groups, making it evident that a holistic approach is required to address this multifaceted issue.

The NAL President stressed the importance of comprehensive interventions in overcoming these challenges.

“Our problem has to do with the implementation of the standards, capacity for which has become suspect over the years. The poor performance transcends the boundaries of disciplinary groups hence, interventions such as ours must be holistic.

“The importance of STEAM education as a critical factor in the sustainable and inclusive development of a country such as ours cannot be overemphasised. Properly implemented, STEAM education encourages innovation, reduces poverty, and provides beneficiaries with the appropriate tools to improve their lives and those of others. If, through this intervention, we succeed in building alliances for the proper implementation of STEAM education at the Basic and Senior Secondary levels in the country, we will have made a great investment in the lives of future generations of Nigerian youths. The ultimate beneficiary is our dear country. cannot overemphasize the importance of what we are doing here this week”, he said.

Also speaking, the Registrar/Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede emphasised the merits of adopting a holistic educational approach that combines scientific knowledge with artistic expression, ensuring a well-rounded education for the nation’s future leaders.

Represented by visiting professor of history, JAMB, Prof. Olutayo Adesina, the JAMB Registrar said a key motivation behind this initiative is the global shift towards the fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by rapid technological advancements.

He added that by fostering a strong foundation in STEAM subjects, Nigeria aims to equip its citizens with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

The workshop aimed to bring together stakeholders from academia, government agencies, industry leaders, and educational practitioners to brainstorm and develop effective solutions. By incorporating STEAM, it is hoped that a more innovative and integrated approach can be adopted to nurture well-rounded and capable individuals.