The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education should be one of the most heavily funded governmental departments in Nigeria. The person who serves as the Minister must understand the problems that face the country's education system and must have a list of ideas, rules, and an educated thought process that can fundamentally change the way education is approached by our universities etc. So, who should become the Minister of Education?
Firstly, the Minister of Education must be well versed in foreign education systems such as that of the US, UK. The manner foreign universities are operated should be a starting point in determining what changes need to be made to the Nigerian system. Secondly, the Minister must be ready to base his salary on the accomplishments he/she has made in office. For example, the Minister would have a list of priorities that need to be achieved every year. If no progress is made to that regard, the Minister will not get paid. The Minister of Education's job is one that should be taken by someone not because it is a means to an end and a way to pay the rent. But, it should be taken by someone because he believes in the future of Nigeria so much that he does not need monetary compensation. Thirdly and most importantly, the Minister must be willing to become a benevolent dictator. He must have a course of action that he will pursue at all cost. The clout of vice-chancellors and other administrators in education must not be ignored, and it is important for the Minister to demand accountability from every administrator and follow-up on any declared consequences that may be incurred. He must adapt to whatever personality (silent leader, forceful personality etc.) he needs to be effective as a Minister. To make all these changes possible, the Minister of Education must be guaranteed at least eight years or two terms in office. The National Assembly or any other governmental body cannot remove the Minister. This requirement must be outlined in the appointment contract. The Minister can only be removed because of an express case of corruption or serious abuse of power. What constitutes an express case of corruption or serious abuse of power must be specified in the contract. This is needed so that the Minister does not worry about his job security, but focuses all his energy on reforming Nigeria.
What other characteristics must the ideal Nigerian Minister of Education have? Please leave your comments below. The actual Minister will not be ideal, but the closer he gets to ideal, the better.
The next post will detail specific ways to change education in Nigeria so that we can help whoever becomes the Minister.
You have valid points and I agree with them. Although I will not withhold pay due to unaccomplished goals because there will be some factors that are beyond his/her control.
ReplyDeleteAnd the person must be qualified, they must have relevant degrees and/or experience. And the process of selecting such a minister should be made public