Nigerian music icon 2Baba has once again used his platform to advocate for social change, this time directing his focus toward the nation’s ailing education system.
In the wake of the disheartening 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, the legendary musician took to his Instagram story on May 8, 2025, to voice his frustration and call for sweeping educational reforms.
“We need to change our entire education system in Nigeria/Alkebulan/Africa,” he declared, highlighting his conviction that the crisis extends beyond Nigeria’s borders to the broader African continent.
His comments immediately struck a chord with many Nigerians, sparking widespread discussion on the need for urgent reforms.
Reactions to 2Baba’s statement were swift and passionate. Admirers flooded his comments section, lauding his courage and agreeing with his observations. “He is very right.
Well said, legend,” one user remarked, while another declared, “Facts 💯.” Yet another comment went further, arguing that the problem is not just the education system but the mindset it cultivates:
“Our educational system needs a complete mindset reset. We’re raising graduates who don’t know how to serve, lead, or innovate.”
These reactions revealed a growing consensus that Nigeria’s education system is failing to equip students with critical thinking, leadership skills, and practical knowledge.
The outcry comes in response to the latest performance statistics from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which painted a bleak picture of academic performance nationwide.
According to JAMB, a total of 1,955,069 candidates registered for the 2025 UTME. Of these, over 1.5 million scored below 200, representing more than 76% of the total candidates.
Such figures have sparked a national debate on the quality of education, teaching methods, and the relevance of the curriculum to modern realities.
Critics argue that the system emphasizes rote learning over critical thinking, leaving students ill-prepared for higher education or the workforce.
The statistics revealed further details that were equally concerning. Only 4,756 candidates managed to score above 320, a threshold considered exceptional by JAMB standards.
In contrast, just 7,658 candidates scored between 300 and 319, while the vast majority languished below the 200 mark. “This statistical breakdown offers a comprehensive snapshot of this year’s UTME performance,” JAMB noted in its official report.
But for many, this snapshot represents more than just numbers—it is a mirror reflecting the systemic problems plaguing Nigerian education.
2Baba’s call for reform comes at a time when many stakeholders are already questioning the effectiveness of the current educational model.
The singer’s ability to use his platform to highlight critical social issues has become one of his trademarks, making him not just a musical icon but also a respected voice of social conscience.
By framing his call for reform in a pan-African context, he has also touched on a broader issue: the need for a fundamental transformation of education across Africa.
His use of the ancient name “Alkebulan” for Africa suggests a vision that looks to the continent’s past for inspiration while seeking solutions for the future.
Education experts have also weighed in, noting that the alarming UTME results are a symptom of deeper problems, including inadequate funding, poorly trained teachers, and outdated curricula.
“Our education system has become a factory for certificates, not a place for critical learning,” said Dr. Ifeoma Onyekwere, an education consultant. “If we do not address these root causes, we will continue to produce graduates who are not employable, innovative, or equipped for leadership.”
Such criticisms align with 2Baba’s call for change, reinforcing the urgency of the issue.
As the debate continues, many Nigerians are looking to see whether policymakers will respond to 2Baba’s call for reform. Will his voice become a catalyst for change, or will it be just another cry in the wilderness?
For now, his message has reignited public interest in a critical national conversation, forcing citizens, educators, and government officials alike to confront the harsh reality of Nigeria’s educational crisis.
In a country where over 76% of candidates scored below 200 in the UTME, 2Baba’s call for reform is more than a celebrity’s opinion—it is a challenge to a system that is clearly in need of a complete overhaul.
