I think the reason is because most of the youths in our country believes that our educational system has failed us, and if you look at it very well, you will notice that there is truth in that, i mean i see no reason why a naija youth would spend years in school, make first class and good grades, only to graduate and get fucked up by the labour market. no job opportunities for the youths, even the ones wey manage see job, na peanut them go pay them, seeing all these thing, do you think youths will be enthusiastic about attending lectures or making first class? back then in the 80s as you mentioned, people who graduate with good grades often get the opportunities to do their masters abroad, where we all know that they can potentially be exposed to a much better life and opportunities, some even end up being retained there and many other things, but today, there is absolutely nothing like that, nothing to drive students to work harder and push pass their limits, they feel like the system isn't worth the effort and honestly, i dont blame for thinking that way.
It is definitely true that the reason is because our educational system has failed us, with valid points you made mention. To add to what you said, our educational system before had discipline but now there is definitely no discipline compared to then. In our educational system before, teachers pay attentiveness to students but now they are nonchalant especially in our public schools, most of the teachers don’t go to class, they don’t care if the students are following up or not, they don’t care if they cover the curriculum or not, making students lack behind and dull.
There is actually no value for our certificate now, that’s why most persons prefer acquiring a skill that will earn them a living than going to school and at the end nothing.
School fees is increasing everyday including the public schools that were even free before for persons that could not afford going to private schools but now most people can’t afford school fees in public schools and the government is doing nothing about this. Nothing to motivate them in going to school anymore because of bad educational system.