As Nigeria joined the global community to mark the International Day of Education yesterday, the executive secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) revealed that inclusive education would help to resolve the country’s economic and security challenges.
This was contained in a statement signed yesterday in Abuja by the commission’s deputy director of corporate affairs and external linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed.
Ojukwu described education as the key that facilitates the attainment of other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said when people get quality education, they can break the cycle of poverty and promote peace.
The executive secretary added that education helps to reduce inequalities and empowers people to live more healthy and sustainable lives.
The NHRC boss also said education is crucial to fostering tolerance between people as it contributes to peaceful societies.
He tasked the government and stakeholders on the need to push for quality, equitable and inclusive education for all Nigerians and stressed the need to deliver on SDG Goal 4 (education financing).
Ojukwu advised that it should become a national investment priority.
He said, “As a matter of urgency, the government needs to place education as a priority in both policy and practice. There is a need for governments to make firm commitments to provide more resources and budget for inclusive opportunities for learning. Measures such as making education free and compulsory, increasing the number of teachers, improving basic school infrastructure and embracing digital transformation are essential towards achieving quality and accessible education”.
“Sadly, in our societies, women and girls are the most disadvantaged in the enjoyment of rights to education. Studies have revealed that about 40 per cent of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have not achieved gender parity in primary education. These disadvantages in education also translate into lack of access to skills and limited opportunities in the labour market for young women,” he said.
