Nigeria: Schools Healthcare In The Wake Of Global Competitiveness -By Caleb Onah & Chinelo Helen Ogwuche

In the city of Maryland, Mrs. Adeola stood at the front of her classroom, trying to hold back her tears. It had been a challenging year, and the weight of her students’ struggles was taking a toll on her own mental health. Each day, she witnessed the effects of poverty, violence, and neglect on her students. She watched as their bright eyes dimmed under the weight of their circumstances. Mrs. Adeola poured her heart into teaching, but she felt powerless against the larger issues plaguing their lives.

Just as some of us may have noticed as the case with Mrs. Adeola, in our today’s rapidly evolving world, educational institutions face the challenge of not only providing quality education but also ensuring the overall well-being of students. The Nigerian educational system is one critical component of our country’s development, playing a vital role in shaping the future of its citizens and fostering national progress. However, like many other developing nations, but our educational system faces numerous challenges that impede its ability to provide quality education to all its citizens.

One of the primary challenges is the inadequate funding of the education sector. Despite government efforts, the education budget remains insufficient, resulting in a lack of infrastructure, resources, and well-equipped classrooms. This hampers effective teaching and learning processes. Additionally, the quality of teachers poses a significant concern.

The shortage of qualified teachers, especially in remote areas, affects the delivery of quality education. Furthermore, there is a need to enhance teacher training programs and provide continuous professional development to ensure educators stay updated with modern teaching methodologies.

Another is the mismatch between the curriculum and the needs of the current job market. Our current curriculum focuses more on theoretical knowledge than practical skills, making graduates less employable and innovative. Which is why, there is a pressing need to align the curriculum with industry requirements and emphasis vocational and technical education.

One area where Nigerian schools can enhance their competitiveness is by improving general and mental healthcare services. By prioritising and investing in robust mental healthcare systems, Nigerian schools can offer a unique advantage, attracting students, parents, and faculty alike.

To compete with other schools, Nigeria must prioritise building and maintaining comprehensive health infrastructure within educational institutions. This includes well-equipped clinics, in day and boarding schools, as well as elementary and tertiary institutions, adequately stocked pharmacies, and accessible health centers. Upgrading facilities to meet international standards and ensuring they are regularly maintained will instill confidence in parents and provide a safe and healthy environment for students.

Having a skilled and knowledgeable mental healthcare workforce is critical for effective healthcare delivery in schools. The Nigerian schools should invest in hiring and retaining qualified medical personnel, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. These professionals should possess expertise in both primary care and specialised areas, enabling them to address a wide range of health concerns among students. Continuous professional development programs should also be implemented to ensure their skills remain up to date.

Developing comprehensive health programs that address the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of students is essential for competing with other schools. Our schools should begin promoting preventive measures such as regular health screenings before admission or perhaps into certain classes, vaccinations, and health education initiatives.

Additionally, mental health support services, counselling programs, and awareness campaigns can foster a nurturing environment for students, helping them excel academically and personally. Collaborations with Healthcare Institutions: Establishing partnerships and collaborations with reputable healthcare institutions can greatly enhance the healthcare services provided by Nigerian schools.

These collaborations can facilitate access to specialised medical expertise, advanced diagnostic tools, and specialised treatments. Such partnerships can also lead to opportunities for student internships, research collaborations, and knowledge exchange, further enhancing the overall educational experience.

Leveraging technology can significantly enhance healthcare services in schools and contribute to their competitiveness. Implementing electronic health records (EHRs) enables efficient data management, facilitates communication between healthcare providers and parents, and ensures seamless healthcare delivery. Additionally, telemedicine platforms can provide remote access to mental healthcare professionals, enabling timely consultations and reducing barriers to healthcare access, especially in remote areas.

Creating conducive environments for physical activity, implementing nutritious meal programs, and educating students about healthy lifestyle choices will contribute to the overall well-being of students, positioning Nigerian schools as leaders in promoting holistic health. By excelling in mental healthcare services, we can position ourselves as pioneers in providing comprehensive education and nurturing the next generation of healthy and successful individuals.

Authors

Caleb Onah & Chinelo Helen Ogwuche