By Anselm C. Onuorah
In social developmental theories, education is a key driver for growth and sustainable development. Education unlocks human potential and empowers individuals to thrive in society – it fosters personal growth, social mobility, and economic prosperity. It breaks individual and community cycles of poverty, improving and enhancing the quality of life.
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s vision for a new Africa, as outlined in his book “Renascent Africa” was anchored on the interconnections between education and national development. Zik, as he was fondly called, believed that education is the key to shaping Africa’s future. He recognized the transformative power of education and opined that the primary objective of education should be to nurture critically-thinking, socially responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to the nation’s development. Zik was a strong advocate of education as a tool for national development. His philosophy on education emphasized that education transcends ethnic and regional divisions and fosters national unity with a sense of shared citizenship. He argued for an education that promotes African identity on culture, history, and values.
Zik’s philosophical concept is guided on five core principles that underpin his vision for a revitalized Africa. For him, education fosters spiritual balance and empathy, allowing individuals to acknowledge and respect diverse perspectives, promoting tolerance and understanding. It regenerates society by dispelling prejudices, sheds one from nationalistic, religious, racial, tribal, political, economic, and ethical biases, cultivating a harmonious society. Economic self-sufficiency, which is a cornerstone for the revitalization of the society, is ensured through education. Education liberates individuals from mental servitude and dependence. Ultimately, educated individuals drive political resurgence and transformative change that revitalizes the political landscape.
Zik’s vision on education and development as outlined has found a practical application in Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s transformative policies on education in Anambra state. Soludo’s policies embody Zik’s philosophy on education that aims to develop human capital for national growth and cultural revival and addresses social and economic inequalities. For Soludo, education is a tool for social reform, a skill for self-reliance that improves one’s socio-economic status and contributes to national development. In Soludo’s policy, education is a leveler for all, a vehicle for social mobility and equal opportunities, and it encourages critical thinking, intellectual freedom, and innovation. In this piece, we examine Soludo’s transformative reforms in education as a catalyst for individual and national socio-economic development and propose it as a model for national education reforms.
Anambra’s Transformative Journey
The fact remains that Anambra State has indeed made significant strides in education, thanks to the visionary leadership of its past governors. From Peter Obi’s pioneering initiative to formalise the handover of schools to churches and equipping them with computers and buses which not only improved access to education but also ensured that students had the necessary tools to succeed in the digital age to Gov. Willie Obiano’s incentives for teachers in hard-to-reach areas, which motivated teachers to serve in underserved communities. Gov. Willie Obiano built and equipped some technical schools that provided students with practical skills, enhancing their employability. Under Obiano, Anambra students showed steady growth in WAEC performance, with up to five credit passes increasing from 60% in 2013 to over 75% in 2017.
However, Gov. Charles Soludo’s remarkable achievements take the cake. Soludo seems to understand better the power of strategic investment in education, which has led to the increase in quality teachers to students ratio. By employing 8,115 teachers in both mission and government-owned schools, Soludo has set an unprecedented record in Africa – the largest single-sector employment of any government in its first two years in office. To put this into perspective, the UK opposition Labour Party led by Keir Starmer campaigned for election on the premise of employing 6,500 new teachers to curb the lack of teachers in UK schools, while Gov Soludo has employed 8115 teachers in Anambra State alone. His understanding that structures alone do not make schools functional has driven his focus on human capital. This is evident in his parallel employment in the health sector, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to development. Today, under Governor Soludo, Anambra’s education system is undergoing a remarkable transformation, emerging as a powerhouse that fuels innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic prosperity. Today, Anambra proudly stands as one of Nigeria’s top education-friendly states, with its schools, students, and teachers consistently ranking high in national examinations and academic awards.
While these initiatives demonstrate Anambra State’s commitment and the transformative power of education in shaping the future of its citizens, there is a need for continued investment. Soludo’s policy serves as a shining example, proving that with bold vision and strategic investment, Nigerian states can revolutionize education and create a solid foundation for growth, innovation, and progress.
FROM ACCESS TO EXCELLENCE: THE SOLUDO SOLUTION
In championing education as the cornerstone of socio-economic development, Governor Soludo has embarked on a visionary journey to propel Anambra State toward unprecedented growth. His commitment to education has sparked a chain reaction of progress, illuminating the path toward a brighter future for Anambra’s citizens and Nigeria at large. From improved access to quality education to infrastructure development and modernization, teacher training and capacity building, curriculum reform and digital integration, scholarships, and incentives for outstanding teachers and students. Through Soludo’s visionary leadership, Anambra State has become a shining example of the potential that unfolds when education is prioritized as a catalyst for national growth. Soludo’s transformative approach serves as a beacon, inspiring other leaders to prioritize education as the cornerstone of sustainable development and national prosperity.
Soludo’s vision for education goes beyond academic excellence, focusing on equipping young individuals with highly adaptable skills that foster economic independence, innovation, and sustainable development. This vision is brought to life through the One Youth, Two Skills (OYTS) program, which provides school leavers and graduates with training in two in-demand skills, enhancing their employability and entrepreneurship opportunities The OYTS program is also complemented by the revitalization of the famous Igbo apprenticeship system, known as Igba boi. This traditional system has been instrumental in promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth in the region. In combining modern skills training with traditional apprenticeship, Soludo’s vision aims to create a robust and sustainable education system. He recognizes that a highly educated population is the game-changer in overcoming Anambra’s limited natural resources. Soludo is integrating the timeless principles of Zikism with his own innovative approach. This synergy has yielded remarkable results, transforming Anambra into a beacon of excellence and a model for national development. His free tuition for all classes in primary and secondary schools owned by the government demonstrates a commitment to education as a powerful equalizer and fundamental right for every child.
Soludo’s education policy is revolutionizing the state’s education sector, shifting the focus from just accessibility to quality and excellence. His vision emphasizes practicality, bridging the knowledge gap, and fostering hands-on skill innovation to cultivate a youthful skilled workforce that drives economic prosperity. This approach is reminiscent of Lee Kuan Yew’s transformative strategies in Singapore.
While Soludo’s administration has been marked by significant progress in many sectors, including infrastructure development, economic transformation, and governance reforms. It is in the realm of education that we see the crown jewel of his achievements by creating equal, excellent, and qualitative opportunities for children of the poor and rich alike. Soludo’s commitment to quality education aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, emphasizing education’s role in achieving sustainable development. His vision recognizes that education unlocks everyone’s potential.
As the world continues to evolve, it’s astonishing to see how some nations thrive while others struggle to find their footing. The disparities in development between nations that have prioritized education and those that have not served as a stark reminder of the importance of investing in education. Nations that prioritize education reap the benefits of a skilled workforce, improved governance, and enhanced competitiveness. Soludo’s visionary education policies have drawn parallels and have been likened to those of Singapore, Dubai, and Taiwan – countries that have harnessed education to propel their economies and societies forward.
The administration is also integrating technology into the learning experience. He has equipped teachers with over 2000 new laptops emphasising his belief in raising quality and technology-savvy teachers, transforming dilapidated schools into modern learning spaces, and introducing a competitive remuneration structure for teachers His merit-based employment approach prioritizes top talent, channeling them into both public and private institutions. Due to his free, qualitative education policy, the rate of out-of-school children has dropped to 2.9%, making Anambra the State with the lowest out of school children in the country. As Soludo himself stated in a recent public lecture, he is working to get that number to zero.
Izu Adichie, soludo’s media aide, noted that in an effort to enhance educational opportunities for students in Anambra State, the Soludo administration has allocated a substantial N3 billion for a comprehensive student loan and bursary scheme. This policy, detailed in the 2025 appropriation bill presented to the State Assembly, aims to establish a sustainable financial support system for students pursuing their academic goals. Soludo is committed to improving access to education and easing the financial burdens faced by students and their families. With the rising cost of living in Nigeria, the establishment of this fund is expected to provide vital assistance, ensuring that no deserving student is left behind due to financial constraints. The scheme will allow eligible students to apply for loans to cover tuition fees, research, and other educational expenses. Additionally, the bursary component will provide direct financial support to students from vulnerable backgrounds in support of an inclusive educational environment. This is anticipated to enhance student enrollment and retention rates while contributing to the overall development of human capital in the state, as human capital is our greatest asset. As this plan unfolds, the administration’s proactive approach to educational funding is expected to be transformative for many students in Anambra, paving the way for a prosperous homeland and reaffirming Soludo’s commitment to education as a key driver of economic growth.
Soludo is paving ways for generational prosperity in providing quality education to all. Regardless of perspective, as public education in Anambra State continues to soar, it’s clear that Soludo’s genius lies in recognizing the power of education to transform societies. His innovative approach prioritizes quality, accessibility, and developmental relevance, poised to propel Nigeria’s education system to global standards.
The time to prioritize education is now; the urgency to revitalize the system cannot be overstated, and Soludo has shown the way. His leadership bridged the gap in access to excellent world-class education, ushering in a brighter future for ụmụ Anambra to compete with their counterparts across the globe.
- Onuoha is a public affairs analyst