HEALTH & EDUCATION

Education in the 21st Century

Published

3 years ago

October 1, 2021

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Teaching and education in this century will set the tone for the ‘next’ future and for coming generations to be future ready. However, what does it mean to innovate the education system we’ve grown up on and the teaching style with which we were taught? Does innovation improve teaching and learning? We collate a few clues for some answers. Writes SU AZIZ

The rise of the internet brings along disruptions of astronomical proportions and places many industries on the cusp of an outright revolution – education, alas, isn’t immune to the disruptions. Change has to begin at the root and there are no shortcuts, especially when it comes to educating generations that will, in the end, govern the world.

Applying changes to something that has been established through the introduction of something new is common in this day and age. It’s called innovation and it’s a key word in almost everything in our daily life and that, of course, includes education – a fundamental element in every society.

The root of education is teachers. The shortage, thus the urgent need, for teachers can no longer be ignored. Almost a decade ago, the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 foresaw the employment of teachers in America to grow by 13 per cent between 2008 and 2018. In 2008, there were already about 3.5 million kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school teachers in the country and reports states that there are around 3.2 million teachers in public American schools in 2018. Look at that number of teachers compared to the number of students: it’s been recorded that there are around 51 million school students in America in 2018.

Although these numbers are based on American statistics, but it reflects a universal problem – a shortage of teachers.

Statista reports, in 2018, South Korea had approximately 14.5 students enrolled in elementary education institutions per teacher, and the statistic doesn’t stray very much for middle and high schools either. While UNESCO’s data for China up to 2016 shows an average of 23.13 students per teacher. Veering west, according to reports, in the United Kingdom, the ratio of student to teacher in 2018 is approximately 16.4 students per teacher and around 16.1 students per teacher in public schools of America.

Why are these numbers important, you ask? Low student to teacher ratio allows teachers to better manage the class, sharpen observations that may need attention and action. Also, lower student to teacher ratio is fundamental for effectiveness in terms of knowledge transference.

*A universal problem is a shortage of teachers*

Up the root, we get to STEM (excuse the pun). The basis of education are the subjects, taught by teachers and learned by students. The question here is, are the traditional subjects we’ve always known in school since time immemorial, still relevant? Traditional curriculum in schools that prioritise geography, history and arts may no longer be helpful or relevant, but what can be, in many opinions, are subjects that heighten employability opportunities for students. This is reflected in the demand for teachers for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. In fact, this is an area where there’s a high demand for great teachers, globally.

Innovating Education
Again, to innovate an education system, it has to start at the root – with the teachers. The Brookings Institution, a non-profit public policy organisation in Washington DC, identifies three key areas to promote teaching innovation:

First: teachers should allocate time and resources necessary to allow learners to interact and experiment.
Second: teachers should review their own practices in order to identify and better align their creative, intuitive and personal capacities with those clusters of innovative pedagogies, such as using games to learn.
Third: provide the necessary structures for teachers to integrate, rather than assimilate, new practices into their repertoire of teaching tools and designs.

Next, we innovate the education system. To begin, let’s look at a few realistic and applicable examples. The Smithsonian had listed seven examples of innovative education in 2015 that are reflective of this digital age, and thus, still relevant just under four years later, in 2019:

Robot teachers: in a few South Korean classrooms, students learn English from Engkey, an egg-shaped robot English teacher that’s controlled remotely by a native English-speaker (in, say, Australia or America). South Korea has the best education system in the world in 2016.
Forest kindergartens: innovation isn’t only about technology. In Denmark, and most Scandinavian countries, young children are given unstructured playtime outdoors to help develop their natural curiosity and prepares them for learning better. America, it has been reported, is following suit.
Free university education: Germany did away with university fees entirely in 2014. This is so all Germans can access higher education. Germany’s free college scheme is open to foreigners too. Start practicing your Deutsch!
3D learning: in Dubai, classrooms and labs are connected by a super-high-speed fibre optic network as well as science lessons are delivered on a 3D platform. This draws student attention, and can help make abstract concepts easier to grasp.
Literacy brigades: in Cuba, teachers reduce the nation’s illiteracy rate to less than four percent from the country’s original 59 per cent. The program inspired a method of community-based intensive literacy education called Yo Si Puedo or Yes I Can. It has been replicated around the world.
Teacher autonomy: in Finland, highly trained teachers are given generous latitude to help their students learn in the way they feel is best. There’s very little standardised testing and no punishments for failing. Finnish schools consistently rank among the best in the world.
Paperless classroom: in England, at the Essa Academy in Bolton, students are given an iPad and classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge digital projectors. The technology has helped the once-failing school become one of the highest achieving in the region. Students even design their own digital courses, which then become available worldwide.

Outcomes of Innovation in Education
In the past decade, OECD’s Measuring Innovation in Education 2019 states that innovation in education has been associated with the improvement of academic learning outcomes, both in primary and secondary education. Furthermore, ‘in countries where there has been more change in educational practices, students’ scores to international assessments have improved more on average.’ Research of the report shows that, ‘More innovation in science education is associated with more improvement in science scores in primary and secondary education; countries where primary reading lessons have changed the most have also usually had more improvement in reading. A positive association also exists in maths education, but only at the primary education level. Other outcomes such as student satisfaction or the enjoyment of science have also increased more where there was more innovation.’

In short, the OECD report finds that there’s a positive association between educational innovation and student satisfaction in primary education but no such association in secondary education. Of course, take into consideration that the research for this report was applied to limited subjects of maths and science in the secondary education level and requires further investigation, whereas it covered more comprehensively for primary education. What the OECD report does show is, innovation doesn’t always result in better outcomes, ‘in secondary education, countries that experienced more innovation have not improved their learning outcomes the most in mathematics, and no relationship with student satisfaction could be found.’

In higher education for instance, reports states that enrolment in online courses has more than quadrupled in the last 15 years in America but in other countries the numbers, though not as fat-growing, the trend is gaining traction. When it comes to MOOC or massive open online course, 2018 saw enrolment over 100 million students worldwide, which is a 30 per cent increase. There were more than 900 universities offering around 11,400 MOOCs, by the end of 2018. Interestingly, it has been observed that the number of courses seems to grow quicker than the number of students which means, fewer students for each course.

In an aptly titled 2014 Forbes article, The Future of Higher Education Depends on Innovation, Rick Beyer, managing partner of Miles Howland Education Partners which is an investment firm that focuses on the higher education sector, states that, ‘today, more than 1,000 colleges have online programs which provide consumers with many cost-effective options. All of these, and many other systemic trends, will no doubt lead to lower cost tuition.’ Innovation allows people of all strata to access education, and in turn, this spells equality. ‘Technology and innovation are creating increasingly attractive alternatives to existing systems of education,’ Rick adds.

Another thing to consider is that innovation in education should in principle only be encouraged when its benefits outweigh its costs and ‘more research on the effects of specific educational practices and of their combination should be encouraged at the local, regional, national and international levels.’ That would be in an ideal world, of course.

What Drives Innovation in Education?
A takeaway from the 339-page Measuring Innovation in Education 2019 published by OECD, is the list of key drivers of innovation and improvement in education:

Human resources: the skills for, and openness to, innovation of actors within the education sector, notably teachers and faculty, are key aspects of a good innovation ecosystem.
Learning organisations: innovation and improvement are strongly related to how work is organised and whether education establishments and professionals are able to both absorb and generate improved knowledge and practice.
Technology: the application of general-purpose technologies to the education sector, and notably of digital technologies, is a key promise for innovation and improvement. In particular, the development and use of longitudinal information systems (and their big data) holds key promises for innovating the education sector.
Regulation and system organisation: innovation and improvement only thrive where good ideas can be implemented and aren’t hidden by too risk-averse regulations on curriculum, assessment and such. It also depends on the entrepreneurialism of the actors, on incentives, and on the availability of funds for educational innovation.
Educational research: the investment in and use of research and evaluation are key elements in an educational innovation ecosystem.
Educational Development: as in other sectors, an education industry should develop innovative tools, organisations and processes to improve and change the practices in the education sector.

Last Words
Considering the technology we have today and the amount of information it affords us, it should improve the quality of learning outcomes. Interestingly, it has been observed that America, where computers and the internet were born, struggles to integrate educational institutions with their advanced technology while other countries have benefitted from applying it as well as American educational research, thus working within a successful innovative education system – Finland being an example.

Undoubtedly, lack of innovation can have significant economic and social backlash. What can drive change and encourage innovation in an education system is policy. TeachThought, a website dedicated to innovate education, lists policy as one of the barriers to innovating education. This is food for thought and applicable in almost everything that needs to be governed. Policy, the article states, is a natural consequence of attempting to manage something unmanageable and careful thinking is needed to solve important problems. When policies are adopted, only then can everyone be on the same page.

‘Policies are necessary only as a result of a system that’s either too large or too industrialised for the personalisation that it would ideally benefit from,’ the article states. Finally, ‘top-down change – programs from the district and state level, for example, can certainly support educators, but lasting innovation and change must come from a collaboration between learners, educators, and communities.’ At the end of the day, innovation, when applied collectively, should result in improvement. At least, that’s what we hope, isn’t it?

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HEALTH & EDUCATION

Nigeria is Pioneering a New Vaccine to Fight Meningitis – Why this Matters

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3 weeks ago

April 30, 2024

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Nigeria recently became the first country to roll out a new vaccine (called Men5CV) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which protects people against five strains of meningococcus bacteria. Idris Mohammed, a professor of infectious diseases and immunology and former board chair of Nigeria’s National Programme on Immunisation, explains the new vaccine and its likely impact.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by infection. It can be fatal. Meningitis can be caused by several species of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The highest global burden is seen with bacterial meningitis. Around one in six people who get this type of meningitis die. One in five have severe complications

The main bacteria responsible for the disease are Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The main symptoms are sudden high fever, backache, stiff neck, headaches, nausea, vomiting and intense dislike for sunlight (photophobia). Patients with a severe infection can experience confusion, delirium and loss of consciousness. Meningitis can affect people of any age.

Meningitis bacteria are transmitted from person to person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from carriers. Kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, or living in close quarters with an infected person, facilitates its spread. The average incubation period is four days but can range between two and 10 days.

Epidemics of meningitis are seen across the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The so-called “African meningitis belt” consists of 26 contiguous countries from Senegal and The Gambia in the west to Ethiopia in the east. Outbreaks have also been reported in countries outside Africa like Canada, Belgium, France, Brazil and Denmark.

Why does Nigeria have a high burden of meningitis?

Nigeria’s 19 northern states are within the African meningitis belt. A few southern states such as Osun, Ogun and Anambra are also affected. The major factors that determine meningitis infection include a hot and dry environment and dusty atmospheric conditions.

Between 1 October 2022 and 16 April 2023, Nigeria reported 1,686 suspected cases of meningitis, including 124 deaths, for a case fatality ratio of 7%. The highest proportion of reported cases is among children aged 1 to 15 years. Factors that contribute to meningitis are all present in northern Nigeria. Low or no vaccination; presence of carriers; under-nutrition; overcrowding; scarce rainfall; low humidity; high temperatures. It’s often over 35°C, sometimes as high as 45°C.

The general population can’t afford nutritious foods that can boost the immune system. Add to these factors the level of education, poor hygienic conditions and overcrowding, and perfect conditions for an epidemic outbreak are complete. Although the burden of epidemic meningitis is highest in the north of Nigeria, there is sporadic infection countrywide.

What’s specific about the meningitis strains in Nigeria?

There are five strains of meningitis in Africa: serotypes A, C, W, X and Y. Infectivity and clinical features (symptoms and signs) are the same with the strains. These features were established by serotype A, which was the first and dominant strain in the country. The severity of the infection may be higher with the new variants, such as group C meningococcal, as seen in some cases in north-western Nigeria. Serotypes W, X and Y may have similarly higher severity because the organisms are new to the country. Immunity to them is therefore not strong enough.

What makes this new 5-in-1 vaccine so special?

For more than a century, epidemics of meningococcal meningitis have ravaged the African meningitis belt. Some of the earliest prevention attempts involved the use of sulphur drugs and penicillin based antibiotics.

But these were not successful in preventing outbreaks. Mass use of sulphur-based drugs for prevention had to be abandoned because by the 1970s Neisseria meningitides had become resistant to these drugs.

The next obvious line was to consider vaccination with available polysaccharide vaccines. These use specific pieces of the disease-causing germ, like its protein, sugar, or the casing around it. They give a very strong immune response that targets key parts of the germ.

There was only one such vaccine available at the time. This was the A+C vaccine (Institut Meriuex), which had never been used routinely or on a large scale until an epidemic in Bauchi in 1978. The vaccine terminated that epidemic within a few weeks.

Since then, several researchers like John Robbins have advocated intensified mass vaccinations with the polysaccharide vaccines. But the WHO was reluctant, with fairly good reason.

Polysaccharide vaccines are poorly immunogenic, meaning not able to elicit protective immunity to the disease – particularly in young children, because they do not have immune memory. So the vaccines are not cost-effective or sufficiently protective.

The 1996 outbreak in northern Nigeria affecting over 120,000 people and causing 12,000 deaths – and described by the WHO as the largest in recorded history – changed the narrative. A joint WHO/PATH “Meningitis Vaccine Project” facilitated by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation produced the highly effective conjugate meningitis A vaccine (known as MenAfriVac). Over 260 million people in the African meningitis belt were vaccinated with it. This led to the virtual elimination of meningococcal A serotype.

But serotypes C, W, X and Y then emerged. Hence the critical importance of the 5-in-1 (also known as MenFive, or Men5CV). Proper and sustained vaccination with the 5-in-1 vaccine should put paid to epidemics of meningococcal meningitis in Africa.

What impact will the new vaccine have on meningitis control in Nigeria?

By containing the five most important serotypes causing meningitis in Nigeria, this vaccine is bound to have a far reaching positive impact on control of the disease. Among all the 26 African countries within the African meningitis belt, Nigeria is by far the most populous. Thus an epidemic of the disease affects many people.

Before the year 2000 hardly a case of serotype C, W, X, or Y had been reported in Nigeria. The success of group A conjugate MenAfriVac introduced in 2010 in Burkina Faso has changed the pattern and periodicity of epidemic meningitis, and the real challenge and menace of replacement serotypes underscores the critical importance of the 5-in-1 conjugate meningitis vaccine. Its impact will be huge.

Idris Mohammed is a Professor Emeritus, Gombe State University

Courtesy: The Conversation

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EDITORIAL

Islamic Finance Shaping the Future: A Reflection on the International Summit on Financing Primary Healthcare Infrastructure in Nigeria

Published

5 months ago

December 14, 2023

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On November 30th, 2023, the International Summit on Financing Primary Healthcare Infrastructure in Nigeria took center stage in Abuja, bringing together global leaders, financial experts, and healthcare professionals to deliberate on a critical theme: “Islamic Finance: Exploring New Sources of Financing for Primary Healthcare Transformation in Nigeria.” This landmark event, which was organized by DUKE Consult Limited in strategic collaboration with the Africa Islamic Economic Foundation, Ghana and Glocal Healthcare Systems Ltd, India, marked a significant step towards addressing the healthcare infrastructure challenges in Nigeria through innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms.

The Urgency of Healthcare Infrastructure Transformation

Nigeria, like many other developing nations, faces substantial challenges in its healthcare infrastructure. The need for adequate facilities, skilled healthcare professionals, and sustainable funding mechanisms has become increasingly urgent, especially in the wake of global health crises. The summit recognized that achieving robust primary healthcare infrastructure is pivotal to ensuring the well-being of the population and addressing health disparities.

Islamic Finance as a Catalyst for Change

The choice of Islamic finance as the central theme reflects a strategic move towards diversifying sources of funding for healthcare infrastructure. Islamic finance principles, rooted in ethical and equitable financial practices, provide an alternative framework for generating funds. By exploring these principles, Nigeria aims to tap into new avenues that align with its cultural values while fostering inclusive economic development.

Key Discussions and Agreements

The summit facilitated in-depth discussions on the potential of Islamic finance to transform Nigeria’s primary healthcare infrastructure. Attendees deliberated on the principles of Islamic finance, such as risk-sharing, profit and loss sharing, and ethical investment, as tools for shaping a more sustainable healthcare future.

One of the primary outcomes was the establishment of collaborative initiatives between the public and private sectors, leveraging Islamic finance instruments to fund healthcare projects. The summit also saw the formation of partnerships with international organizations and financial institutions, showcasing a commitment to shared responsibility in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.

Emphasizing Inclusivity and Cultural Sensitivity

An essential aspect of the summit was the emphasis on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in healthcare financing. Recognizing that Islamic finance aligns with Nigeria’s cultural and religious values, the summit underscored the importance of tailoring financial mechanisms to the specific needs and beliefs of the population. This approach ensures that healthcare development is not only economically sustainable but also culturally resonant, promoting widespread acceptance and participation.

Looking Forward

The International Summit on Financing Primary Healthcare Infrastructure in Nigeria has set a precedent for innovative and inclusive approaches to addressing healthcare challenges. As Nigeria strives to achieve its healthcare transformation goals, the incorporation of Islamic finance principles serves as a beacon for other nations facing similar challenges.

In conclusion, the summit marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable healthcare development. By exploring new sources of financing rooted in ethical principles, the country is forging a path towards a healthier, more resilient future. As the initiatives launched at the summit unfold, they have the potential not only to transform healthcare infrastructure but also to serve as a model for other nations seeking innovative financing solutions in the pursuit of universal health coverage.

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HEALTH & EDUCATION

Highlights of the One Day International Summit on Financing Primary Healthcare Infrastructure in Nigeria

Published

5 months ago

December 7, 2023

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By our special correspondent

A one-day international Summit on Financing Primary Healthcare Infrastructure in Nigeria under the theme: Islamic Finance: Exploring New Sources Of Financing For Primary Healthcare Transformation in Nigeria was held in Abuja, the Capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 30^th of November, 2023, at the NICON Luxury Hotel, under the distinguished Chairmanship of His Excellency, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, former Executive Governor of Kano State.

The groundbreaking event, which was organized by DUKE Logistics & Consult (Nigeria) Limited, Abuja, in strategic collaboration with the Africa Islamic Economic Foundation, Ghana and Glocal Healthcare Services Limited, India, was held to explore innovative healthcare financing models that leverage Islamic finance instruments such as sukuk (Islamic bonds), waqf (endowments), and takaful (Islamic insurance), etc. in providing sustainable and long-term financing for primary healthcare transformation in Nigeria; and to foster collaboration between the various states of the federation to share best practices and experiences in leveraging Islamic finance for healthcare projects.

The summit featured keynote speeches and discussions on various topics related to Islamic finance, healthcare infrastructure development and digital health solutions: The role of Islamic Finance in healthcare Infrastructure Development in Nigeria, by Prof. Ahmad bello Dogarawa of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Digital Health Solutions Innovation: The Glocal Story, by Mr Shailesh Kumar, of the Glocal Healthcare Systems Limited, India; Digital Health Transformation: Opportunities & Challenges, by Hon Dr Abdel Majeed Haroun, former Minister of Agriculture, Republic of Ghana; Africa Healthcare Infrastructure Program (AHIDEP), by Hajiya Aishatu Usman Muhammad of the Gombe State University, Gombe, The foregoing presentations were supported with expert and insightful discussions by Dr Aisha Ahmed, an Islamic Finance expert and consultant, Abuja and Mr. Muhammad Lawal Shu’aibu, CEO, LCM Consult Limited Abuja.

One of the key discussions revolved around the role of Islamic Finance in healthcare infrastructure development in Nigeria. Participants delved into the potential of Islamic Finance to provide sustainable funding for the construction and maintenance of healthcare facilities. This topic explored innovative financing models that align with the principles of Islamic Finance, such as waqf (endowment) and sukuk (Islamic bonds).

Another captivating topic discussed at the summit was “Digital Health Solutions Innovation: The Glocal Story.” The term “Glocal” refers to the combination of global and local perspectives. The Summit focused on the Glocal Story, which highlighted its cutting-edge digital health solutions that bridge the gap between global advancements and local healthcare needs. Experts shared success stories, case studies, and best practices, showcasing how technology can revolutionize healthcare delivery in Nigeria by improving access, affordability, and quality of care.

Furthermore, the summit covered the topic of “Digital Health Transformation: Opportunities and Challenges.” This presentation highlighted the importance of adapting digital health solutions to the specific needs and contexts of Nigeria. It addressed how these innovations can improve healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and quality, particularly in underserved areas. Participants explored the potential benefits and challenges associated with digital health transformation in Nigeria. They examined how technological advancements, such as telemedicine, electronic health records, and artificial intelligence, can revolutionize healthcare delivery and management in the country.

The presentation of the Africa Healthcare Infrastructure Development Program, the flagship initiative of the Africa Islamic Economic Foundation, offered participants a glimpse of the functions of the Program. The presentation shows that AHIDEP is a great platform to connect with international organizations and investors who are interested in supporting healthcare initiatives in Nigeria. However, to showcase the importance and potential of a healthcare project to potential investors, potential beneficiaries would have to prepare a comprehensive proposal outlining their healthcare infrastructure development goals, strategies, and the potential impact.

The discussions also touched upon the importance of involving stakeholders and ensuring efficient management of healthcare infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the discussions elucidated in detail how Islamic finance can support the innovation and implementation of digital health solutions tailored to the Nigerian context. The conversation revolved around leveraging technologies like telemedicine, mobile health applications, and electronic health records to enhance access to healthcare services, especially in remote areas. The importance of collaborations between local and international stakeholders for effective digital health transformation was also emphasized.

Overall, this one-day event, the international summit on financing primary healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria provided a platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies and explore new sources of financing for primary healthcare transformation in Nigeria. It showcased the potential of Islamic Finance as a viable option and emphasized the importance of digital health solutions in shaping the future of healthcare in the country.

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