Nigerian NGO Urges President to Boost Education Advocacy as 20 Million Children Remain Out of School
A recent call to action from the non-governmental organization ‘One Youth Global’ has urged Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to intensify advocacy efforts for educational development across the country’s states. The plea comes as Nigeria grapples with a staggering 20 million children who are not attending school. This alarming statistic, highlighted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform in the nation’s education sector.
At the heart of this issue is the deteriorating state of primary and secondary education in Nigeria. Mr. Uchechukwu Agbo, President of One Youth Global, emphasized the organization’s concerns during a press conference following the grand finale of the ‘Spark Nation’ debate and quiz competition in Abakaliki. Agbo stressed that the initiative aims to provide a platform for students to showcase their academic abilities and build confidence, with participants hailing from various states including Lagos, Adamawa, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers.
The ‘Spark Nation’ competition, organized in partnership with Professor Benjamin Voth of Southern Methodist University, seeks to foster critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills among secondary school students. According to Mr. Samson Amulu, Boot Camp Director of the competition, the 7-day program has not only expanded to include schools from across the country but has also awarded winners with significant prizes, including N1 million each and an opportunity to travel to California, USA.
However, despite these positive initiatives, the underlying challenges facing Nigeria’s education system remain daunting. Chinedu Ugbah, a speaker at the event, pointed out that many students have lost interest in education, with some even referring to it as a “scam.” Ugbah attributed this disillusionment to the poor state of schools and the lack of well-remunerated teachers, who are essential for delivering quality education. The fact that many teachers are graduates without jobs highlights deeper issues related to government policies, economic conditions, and the overall investment in education.
The winners of the debate, Akin Oluwa Olajolo from Wellspring College Lagos and Michelle Emeka-Nwuke from CSMT, Abakaliki, along with two other finalists, exemplify the potential that exists among Nigeria’s youth. Their achievements serve as a beacon of hope, underscoring the importance of education in empowering future generations.
As Nigeria navigates its complex educational landscape, the appeal from One Youth Global to President Tinubu and state governors to prioritize educational development couldn’t be more timely. Addressing the plight of 20 million out-of-school children and revitalizing the education sector will require concerted efforts and strategic investments. The future of Nigeria’s youth and the nation’s development hang in the balance, making education a critical area that demands immediate and sustained attention.
