Today, Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark The International Day of Education. January 24 every year is set aside by the UN to throw its searchlight on Education which is a human right, a public good, and a public responsibility.
Without inclusive and equitable quality education, there won’t be measurable progress in society.
According to the UN, 244 million children and youths are out of school, and 771 million adults are illiterate. What happens to their right to education?
It would interest you to know that the theme for this year’s celebration is ‘To invest in people, prioritize education’.
So now permit me to go local. What’s the state of education in Nigeria? Is education qualitative, affordable, and inclusive? The answer to this question I believe is on your lips!
Recently, I saw something that brought tears to my eyes. Some pupils in a Government Primary School in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria were made to roll out the drums because an NGO donated water to their school. Aren’t schools expected to have pipe-borne water? It was even more comical that their teachers dressed in Aso-ebi to celebrate their ‘big day’. See, education must be prioritized if we want to take our place in national development!!!
In conclusion, I celebrate every child, youth, and adult undergoing one level of education or the other in Nigeria.
#TheEngracedOnes
#InclusiveEducation
#InternationalDayOfEducation2023