Why Excursions Matter: Reflections from My Time at Isolo Secondary School

Ancient Heads Carved in Stone - Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

In Nigeria, excursions are often viewed as a luxury reserved for students in private schools, leaving their peers in government schools with limited exposure to cultural and educational trips. Personally, I attended Isolo Secondary School, a government school in Lagos, for six years without any excursions. I am not sure if pupils in public primary schools then had the same opportunity I had when I went on an excursion to the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos while at Beverly Children's School, a private primary school. This disparity in opportunities reflects a gap that needs to be addressed.

View of National Theatre - Lagos

Tourism ministries at both federal and state levels can play a significant role in bridging this gap by making excursions compulsory across all government schools. Here are several reasons why excursions should be part of every student’s education, especially in government schools:

1.      Building National Pride and Cultural Awareness

      Nigeria’s rich tapestry of cultures and history makes it one of the most culturally diverse nations. Through excursions, students can experience and appreciate this diversity firsthand, deepening their pride in Nigeria’s heritage. A visit to cultural sites and local attractions fosters understanding of their community’s history and traditions, sparking pride in their roots.

2.      Expanding Learning Beyond the Classroom

      Excursions enhance learning by allowing students to explore new environments and experiences that supplement classroom theory. They can connect with subjects through direct exposure - be it historical landmarks, cultural exhibitions, or environmental reserves. This hands-on learning solidifies concepts and makes education more meaningful and lasting.

Shehu's Palace Maiduguri - Borno

3.      Promoting Unity and Appreciation of Diversity

      Excursions introduce students to regions and cultures beyond their immediate surroundings, fostering understanding and unity. By visiting places in other regions, they learn to embrace diversity and appreciate Nigeria's rich cultural mosaic, fostering tolerance and mutual respect among students of different backgrounds.

4.      Excursions Don't Have to Be Long-Distance

      Importantly, excursions don’t need to involve traveling long distances. Local trips to unique destinations within the community can be equally valuable. Whether it’s a historical site, a traditional crafts center, or a cultural festival, the goal of excursions is to deepen students’ knowledge and engagement with their heritage. Such local visits are practical, cost-effective, and equally enriching, meeting the purpose of excursions without logistical challenges.

Wooden Boats on Island Shore

5.      Encouraging Career Interest in Tourism and Related Fields

      By introducing students to tourism early on, we can inspire interest in careers within tourism, hospitality, and cultural preservation. Exposure to Nigeria’s attractions could spark a passion in some students for promoting and preserving our national heritage, contributing to an industry with significant potential for economic growth.

6.      Creating Young Ambassadors of Nigerian Culture

      Every student should have the opportunity to become an ambassador of Nigeria's culture. With excursions in government schools, students can experience cultural pride firsthand and learn to represent Nigeria's heritage to the world. These young ambassadors can help boost Nigeria's image globally and advocate for our rich tourism potential.

Inside Tafawa Balewa's memorial house and tomb - Bauchi 

7.      Ensuring Equal Opportunity for All Students

      Currently, many see excursions as a privilege for private school students. By making excursions accessible to students in government schools, we provide equal educational opportunities that allow students from all backgrounds to gain experiences that expand their worldview.

8.      Fulfilling Our Civic Responsibility

      Promoting our culture and heritage is a collective responsibility, irrespective of our background or affiliations. When students from government schools are included in excursions, they become more aware of Nigeria's beauty and potential. We can inspire a generation of young Nigerians who feel responsible for preserving and promoting our heritage.

View of the Zuma Rock - Niger 

Encouraging excursions in all government schools is an investment in the future. I look forward to a time when students from all backgrounds become ambassadors for Nigeria, proudly showcasing our nation’s destinations, culture, and beauty on the global stage.