According to a 2024 report by UNICEF, Nigeria currently has about 18.3 million children out of school, including 10.2 million of primary school age and 8.1 million at the junior secondary level. These figures are alarming and clearly call for urgent action.

However, relying solely on traditional schooling systems may not be enough to address a challenge of this scale. Conventional models, which depend heavily on physical infrastructure and large numbers of teachers, are often slow to expand and may struggle to meet the growing demand.

Nigeria has a track record of overcoming similar large-scale challenges through innovation and adaptability. For example, when the national power grid failed to reach many communities, individuals and businesses turned to alternatives such as generators and solar energy, ensuring wider access to electricity.

In the financial sector, companies like Moniepoint and Opay transformed access to banking by bringing services directly to people through agent networks. This made it easier for millions to carry out transactions without needing to visit a traditional bank branch.

Similarly, in healthcare, local pharmacies have expanded their roles, offering basic medical services, consultations, and prescriptions, making care more accessible to everyday Nigerians without the need for hospital visits.

These examples highlight a key lesson: addressing Nigeria’s education crisis may require embracing alternative, decentralised approaches that bring learning closer to communities, rather than relying solely on conventional systems.