Advertisement

Education in Africa; the bad, the ugly, and the fix. Why placing ‘Teachers’ at the centre of quality Education may not be such a great idea!

His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (the President of Ghana; congrats to him on his election) during his first state of the nation address to Parliament, touched on the economy, education, health and energy among others. As a productivity expert who has authored over 13 books and more than 50 articles on the subject of ‘Education & Productivity’ and has had several media appearances on the subject matter, I was particularly excited to note that our president hinged the expected success of the government’s plans on the ability to educate the young people, and provide opportunity for lifelong education to the adult population; noting that education is the key. We are united in this conviction that, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world;” in the words of Nelson Mandela. However, something the president said soon after that, gave me (and still gives me) the heebie-jeebies!

The president said: “My government shall place teachers at the centre of quality education, and encourage professionalism among them.” I am a ‘teacher’ by calling, my dad and all my four siblings are professional teachers, but this statement of the president gives me a lot of concern; however encouraging as it sounds. My reason is very simple and can be summed up as follows…

If someone is not willing to learn, no one (and certainly no teacher) can teach him/her. On the other hand, if the person is determined to learn, no one can stop him/her!

The point is that, we should rather be putting the students and pupils at the centre of quality education, and sow the desire and passion to learn/research, in them; if we ever want to be successful at achieving a truly quality education.

Let Us Reflect Some More!

First of all, we need to be clear on what we mean by quality education, and the purpose of that quality education; if what I have gleaned from officialdom so far is anything to go by, then I am afraid what we seem to seek to do is like ‘trying to solve a hunger problem by taking in authentic paracetamol!’

In my earlier article that was published in the Daily Graphic Newspaper: Fixing Our Education; A Delightful Paradigm (Now online as: How ‘Education’ has failed Africans) I did a very clear and deep analytical examination and diagnosis of what the real problem with our education happens to be; beyond what is usually assumed and further indicated that, “We can readily cite laziness, lack of creativity, greed and corruption or disregard for laws/regulations, etc., as the causes of our woes, but the greatest cause (and indeed, the root cause) is the prevailing formal education (call it ‘partial education’); it is such that, even when we are able to put in place (i) good and adequate infrastructure across the country, (ii) adequate supply of the selected teaching/learning materials/resources, (iii) adequate remuneration for teachers/educators and supervisors, and (iv) effective supervision at all the levels (and we must) such a system would still be harnessing just about 20 percent of the genius inside people. And that resulting calibre of manpower may still not be able to solve our developmental problems to any considerable extent.” And that, “It is important to additionally overhaul the curriculum, and the teaching/learning methods; with the objective of harnessing the other almost 80 percent genius that usually remain untapped.” My position has not changed!

A Pandoras Box?

After 60 years of independence, what are we confronted with? Massive unemployment and underemployment, our ‘Debt-to-GDP’ ratio is very alarming and yet we still have huge infrastructure deficit, we have very little share in the abundant natural resources, the economy is heavily import-driven and consequently depreciating the local currency, price inflation is so huge, our environment is getting degraded the more, filth is all over, etc; even though we have a lot of people who have been to school extensively; some with PhDs, Masters Degrees, and other very good credentials, and are in charge at various levels. Besides, we are a highly religious people; we worship God a lot, and we pray a lot.

It is estimated that some 65% of children entering primary schools today will likely work in roles that don’t currently exist. According to a study by McKinsey Global Institute, many activities that workers carry out today could be automated. Indeed, the report estimates that nearly half of all the work we do (particularly current jobs) could be automated by the year 2055. And our citizens will be competing with foreigners for the few available jobs.

These are some of the challenges that a truly quality education should be addressing. And there is ample evidence to suggest that, success in achieving that worthwhile manpower (capable of meeting the said challenges) can be achieved more on the effort of learners/researchers (students and pupils) for which reason students and pupils must be the ones to be placed at the centre of quality education.

A Worker is Worthy of His Wages

The discussion is not to suggest that government should relent in taking care of teachers; no! Government must make teachers comfortable; by all means, and particularly take note of and incorporate the well acclaimed research findings of Frederick Herzberg. Notwithstanding, placing ‘teachers’ at the centre of quality education may not be such a great idea! The government should rather place students and pupils at the centre of quality education; if we truly want to see a significantly improved Ghana within a reasonable period.

The Full Remedy

What is the sure way of solving the problem?

Thankfully, the problem is not as difficult to solve as it seems, and adequate research and development has already been undertaken to bring out the sure remedy; you may click here to see.

In being a citizen (and not a passive spectator) what is immediately in my power is to keep researching and bringing such relevant issues to the fore, for the attention of those who care; trusting that each one of us will play our respective roles by taking the appropriate actions.

Long live Ghana!

Please scroll down for a brief about the author, and / or comment(s) on this publication.
You may have to read this publication again; you may click here to see why.

Other very interesting publications are further below. Kindly share this publication, and scroll down for readers' comments and / or to comment...
Advertisement
Specially selected items from our online shop

Education in Africa; the bad, the ugly, and the fix. Why placing ‘Teachers’ at the centre of quality Education may not be such a great idea!

About the Author

Picture of David K Egyir

David K Egyir

EGYIR is passionate about helping serious people like you to escape the most dangerous — common but avoidable — problem most people (rich, poor, educated, uneducated, religious, and non-religious alike) face in life. Also, he designs and builds beautiful, cost-effective and functional buildings, and graphics. And he helps executives, marketers, and business owners to make effective presentations; what you may call winning presentations. He is an Architect, a Designer, and a Life Coach. And an Entrepreneur. Especially as a life-coach, he has been popularly adjudged the best coach for excelling in education, increasing wealth, eliminating stress, and enjoying true fulfillment in life! Egyir understands life thoroughly and shares amazingly liberating insights from a uniquely empowering perspective. He has a firm conviction that, “The greatest tragedy in life is that majority of people have accepted to be less than they were born to be and are thus accomplishing far less than their true capabilities.” To that end, he authored (wrote) Purpose Compass, the exceptional life-coaching book that reveals 4 habits that are currently making your life difficult, or otherwise may soon make your life difficult, but which your parent, teacher, or pastor would dare not talk about; how to escape them and get to live a stress-free life of purpose faster! And 13 other equally amazing books that constitute the Zing4Life! Series. Egyir is also lead promoter of the electronic, trendy and amazing Smart Business Card, the only business card you’ll ever need, for the executive in you! He is a husband, and a father of two. Positionally, he is the Lead Founder and CEO of Seers, Associate of Arthro Synergeio, Lay Preacher of The Methodist Church Ghana, Global Lead Advocate of Zing4Life! and Volunteer Mentor with iMentor Ghana. To see more about him you may click here. #WeAreSeers | To get in touch with Egyir or to follow him on social media you may click here. #EgyirGuidesDaily | To support his writing & life-coaching social ministry you may click here. #SeersFoundation | To be part of Egyir's live sessions online at 20.30 GMT on Sundays you may click here. #TimeWithSeers |

Education in Africa; the bad, the ugly, and the fix. Why placing ‘Teachers’ at the centre of quality Education may not be such a great idea!

To comment you first have to log in below…

Get involved!

Get Connected!
Come and join our community. Expand your network and get to know new people!

Comments

No comments yet

You may click the button below to send a message

Publications that are in the same category as the one above...

#SeersVoice

Most recent publications from our community members...

Provide the applicable details below and click the ‘Subscribe‘ button; that’s it. By the way, it’s FREE! And we do not spam; also, you can easily unsubscribe anytime…

We truly respect your privacy; you may click here to see our privacy policy

Already registered? Log in to dismiss this invite.
Not sure what registration is about? Click here.

Advertisement

Education in Africa; the bad, the ugly, and the fix. Why placing ‘Teachers’ at the centre of quality Education may not be such a great idea!

Great! standing by to hear from you

We delight in interacting with great people like you.

To attach files kindly click the 'Choose Files' button.
For the purposes of a Voice Call, SMS, or WhatsApp, the phone number is: +233.24.211.2648

Welcome again!

You are about to enjoy access to premium stuff

Not sure what this is about? You may click here

Hi!

In the diagram shown immediately above (with lines in orange colour) how many squares are there; how many squares can you make out in total?

Type your answer in the textbox below and click the ‘Submit’ button for a surprise…

Wait, are you a parent?

Claim your

Free Report Now!

You can pay in any valid currency of your choice. Also, several payment options are available; including Mobile Money, Bank Card, Etc.

To select (or reserve) an item you are interested in, just click the ‘Add to Basket‘ button beneath that particular item; please do this for each of the items you seek to add to your selection. And ‘View Your Selection / Basket‘ later, and then proceed to checkout.

For additional terms regarding ‘Direct Coaching‘ please scroll further down this Quick Guide. If you are new to buying online (online shopping) and need some additional (in-depth) guidance you may click the button below…

Direct Coaching

Comes in 2 main options, each with a different cost implication...

Prices shown for Direct Coaching* are for the popular choice... Option 1. This includes Bronze Membership, allowing you online access to special content to complement the Direct Coaching.

For Option 2, a minimum of 10 subscription purchases are required. Where trainee(s) opt for a significantly different training location / venue other than one within the reach of the facilitator, prorated facilitator transportation charges (FTC) may apply, in addition to the subscription purchases. Where it occurs, actual figures shall be determined and agreed upon prior to the training.

Great!

So in the diagram, how many squares did you make out in total; how many squares are there?

Well, most people get or give 16 as their answer. Some get 17 and a few get 21; and that’s at least better than the ‘16’ answer majority of people give. Just about 1 percent of people surveyed get the best answer; which is…

Well, get a full illustration of all the more than 21 possible ‘hidden’ squares…

Lessons…

One: Sometimes you need someone to show you the obvious, and oftentimes… the not so obvious! Credit to ZigZiglar

Two: Education and schooling are not the same thing. What goes on inside the schools is often not education. And the results may well be that it reduces productive capacity rather than to increase it. Credit to Prof Sir William Arthur Lewis

Three: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Credit to Prophet Hosea

Four: The illiterates of the future are not those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn! Credit to Alvin Toffler

Five: The greatest obstacle to progress is not ignorance, but the illusion of knowledge. Credit to Daniel Boorstin

Six: When you know the right things, the boundaries around your life suddenly disappear. Credit to Brian Sher