Prioritise Education In Peace-Building Efforts, UN Tells Federal Gov’t

The United Nations (UN) system in Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to prioritize education as a central element in its peace-building efforts to foster a lasting culture of peace.

A joint statement by UNESCO, UNICEF, and UNIC, on the occasion of the International Day of Education on Wednesday, stressed the critical role of education in promoting human dignity, tolerance, and peace.

Abdourahamane Diallo, Head of UNESCO Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, noted the transformative power of education in peace efforts.

“If education is placed at the centre of our commitment to peace, it can help empower learners with the necessary knowledge, competencies and attitudes to become agents of peace in their immediate communities,” said the Head of UNESCO Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo.

“While encouraging government to prioritise education at the top of its political agenda, a strong call is being made to rally influencers and wider civil society to push forward the movement to bring education into the centre of peace-building at all levels.”

He encouraged the government to make education a top priority and called on influencers and civil society to advance education’s role in peace-building at all levels.

Additionally, UNICEF has appealed to governments in the North East of Nigeria to increase funding for education.

Ms. Phuong Nguyen, Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Borno State, stressed this need at an event in Maiduguri commemorating the International Day of Education.

Nguyen advocated for significant and sustainable investments in teacher recruitment and training, school security, and the fortification of school infrastructure against the impacts of climate change.

“We must make sizable and sustainable investment in teachers’ recruitment and training; school and security, including fortification of schools infrastructure against climate change disruption.

“UNICEF will continue to work with the government, donors and other partners to raise the bar of education for girls and boys affected by conflict and give them a future,” Nguyen said.