The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has emphasized the immediate need to prioritize access to quality education for millions of children. He called upon the international community, including donor agencies and development partners, to address this pressing issue.
Speaking at an event during the 2023 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted his administration’s significant investments in school infrastructure and the introduction of technology to enhance teaching techniques, ensure accountability, and promote effective learning. These efforts aim to empower children in Kwara State to compete on equal footing with their peers across the globe.
“Our initiatives have empowered teachers to adhere to curriculum standards, improve the learning experience, reduce absenteeism, and boost school enrollment, all while maintaining high standards,” Governor AbdulRazaq stated.
Addressing Africa’s Learning Crisis and Preparing for a Young Future
The event, organized by Devex Event and New Globe, revolved around the theme of finding solutions to Africa’s learning crisis and preparing for a young future. Governor AbdulRazaq was joined by esteemed individuals such as Shannon May, President, and Co-founder of New Globe; Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait (an initiative of the United Nations); Richard Jones, Editorial Director of Devex; Jennifer O’Donoghue, Senior Fellow, and Deputy Director of the Centre for Universal Education, Brookings Institution; Eric Hanushek, Senior Fellow at Stanford University; and Shungu Gwarinda, Executive Director, Africa CAMFED, among others.
Education Holds the Key to Progress
Governor AbdulRazaq stressed that a well-funded education sector is crucial for advancements in various other sectors, including health, water, rural-urban development, and food security. He believes that data collected from schools can provide vital insights for informed decision-making, planning, and the efficient allocation of scarce resources.
“Through our efforts, public school enrollment at the basic level has increased by approximately 48.7%. The integration of technology has empowered both our teachers and students,” added Governor AbdulRazaq, while acknowledging that funding remains a significant challenge.
He further explained that the introduction of the KwaraLEARN program has reduced learning deprivation in Kwara public schools from 70.8% to 51.6% within just 40 weeks.
A Global Campaign for Education
Yasmine Sherif commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his initiatives in Kwara State and agreed that joint funding and inclusive practices in education are indeed an urgent priority. The United Nations is currently mobilizing approximately $1.5 billion to provide quality education for 120 million out-of-school children in distressed areas around the world.
Yasmine also mentioned her upcoming visit to Nigeria as part of the global campaign for the rights of young children to access education. She expressed interest in including Kwara State in their agenda during the visit.
A Call to African Leaders
Shannon May, co-founder of New Globe, expressed admiration for Governor AbdulRazaq’s visionary approach to transforming public schools in Kwara State. She urged leaders in other Nigerian states and across Africa to follow suit by dedicating resources and energy to the crucial cause of education.
May commended the progress made in Kwara State, as well as other Nigerian regions, and lauded the political will and data-driven strategies that have driven inclusive education and improved learning outcomes for young people.
