Education has long been recognised as the most powerful tool for national development. Governments invest heavily in it, parents sacrifice for it, and societies place enormous expectations on it. Yet, despite these investments, a troubling question persists: Is our educational system truly transforming learners, or is it merely supplying information? In a world confronted with unemployment, moral decline, weak civic responsibility, and rapid technological change, it is clear that information alone is no longer enough. Our educational system must be transformational, not merely informational.

Mr.Geor
For many years, education has been largely examination-oriented. Students are trained to memorise facts, reproduce notes, and pass standardised tests. Certificates have become the ultimate measure of success. While academic credentials are important, they do not automatically translate into competence, innovation, or ethical leadership. An education system that focuses only on information produces graduates who know what things are, but not necessarily how to apply that knowledge or why it matters.

Transformational education, on the other hand, changes the learner holistically. It develops the mind, shapes character, and prepares individuals to confront real-world challenges. Such an education equips learners with critical thinking skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence. It encourages curiosity rather than conformity and nurtures confidence rather than fear of failure. These qualities are essential in a world where jobs are changing, industries are evolving, and lifelong learning has become a necessity rather than a luxury.

In today’s labour market, employers are increasingly dissatisfied with graduates who possess impressive certificates but lack practical skills and adaptability. Many organisations now seek individuals who can work in teams, communicate effectively, innovate, and respond to uncertainty. A purely informational education system, rooted in rote learning, fails to meet these expectations.

Transformational education bridges this gap by integrating theory with practice, promoting experiential learning, and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.
Beyond employability, education must also prepare learners for responsible citizenship.

A nation cannot develop sustainably if its citizens lack integrity, civic consciousness, and a sense of responsibility. Education should therefore instil values such as honesty, discipline, respect for the rule of law, tolerance, and service to society. When education transforms values and attitudes, it becomes a powerful instrument for addressing social problems such as corruption, violence, intolerance, and political apathy.

Teachers are central to this transformation. They should not be reduced to mere transmitters of information or distributors of examination tips. Rather, teachers must serve as mentors, facilitators, and role models who inspire learners to think critically and act responsibly. Teaching methods must move beyond lectures to include discussions, projects, problem-based learning, and community engagement. Classrooms should be spaces where learners are encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and connect learning to real-life experiences.

Educational institutions must also embrace change. Schools and universities should foster environments that support creativity, innovation, and ethical leadership. Curriculum design must reflect societal needs, technological advancements, and global realities.

Assessment systems should be restructured to evaluate understanding, application, and creativity rather than memorisation alone. When assessment rewards deep learning, teaching and learning naturally follow suit.

Policy-makers have an equally critical role to play. Investment in education should go beyond physical infrastructure to include teacher development, curriculum reform, educational technology, and research.

Policies must support inclusive and equitable education that empowers all learners, regardless of background. A commitment to transformational education requires long-term vision, consistency, and political will.
Ultimately, the purpose of education is not simply to produce graduates, but to produce capable, ethical, and innovative human beings. Education should not only inform the intellect, but also transform attitudes, values, and behaviour. Nations that prioritise transformational education build resilient economies, stable democracies, and cohesive societies.

If we truly desire progress, we must reimagine education as a force that transforms lives and shapes the future. Information may fill the mind, but transformation builds character, competence, and national destiny.

Author:
George Akom
Snr. Assistant Registrar
Ghana Communication Technology University
0243387291/kingakom77@gmail.com