Dropout Syndrome-Students Revolt Against Stifling Creativity in Nigeria

Drop out syndrome in Nigeria education system has deteriorated that millions of children of school age are out of school. Notwithstanding the free and compulsory universal basic education programme there is no corresponding increase in enrolment rate. This paper posits that it is students’ perception of the inability of the school system to encourage their creativity that push the students out of the school. The pattern of teaching, teachers perception of students abilities, no respect for students, including the extractive nature of the political and economic institutions of the society combine to encourage students drop out. The society pays dearly in terms of loss of manpower, crime and waste of resources. The paper outlines some steps to stem the tide and recommends team work, collaborative effort, project methods and apprenticeship/mentorship approach using experienced craftsmen. Keywords: Dropout, creativity