By; ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna
Following the crisis in Nigeria’s learning space, stakeholders have pledged to take decisive measures in addressing the challenges.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in a statement made available by its Communication Specialist, Samuel Kaalu, disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Education, Universal Basic Education Commission, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and UNICEF has agreed to take action.
The commitment according to the statement, follows the two-day National Conference on the Learning Crisis held on October 18 and 19 in Abuja.
The statement noted that the conference spotlighted successful educational models such as the Reading and Numeracy Activity (RANA) and TaRL (Teaching at the Right Level).
“Strong voices from Federal and State officials, international donors, development partners and the private sector culminated in the creation of a ‘Framework of Action.’ The blueprint aspires to elevate the educational quality, especially for students lagging behind, emphasizing the imperative components of quality education.
“The proposed framework underscores the significance of teacher training, advanced teaching tools, tech-integrated learning, and performance assessments.
“While the specifics of the Framework of Action will be detailed in the coming months, here are some of the key takeaways: Government and stakeholders, led by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, and the Nigeria Governor’s Forum Chairman, Dr. AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, called for strong political leadership, commitment and collective action to solve the learning crisis.
“There was consensus that these efforts must begin with increasing domestic financing of quality education and be galvanized through a jointly developed and agreed Framework of Action The conference agreed that a review and reform of Nigeria’s curriculum is needed to align with global standards, placing a strong emphasis on practical skills,” the statement added.
The statement quoted the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, saying that “in recent years Nigeria has been grappling with a severe learning crisis that hinders youth from achieving their fullest potential, highlighting the consequences if the situation is not addressed.
“The consequences of this learning crisis are far-reaching and profound. We risk widening the already significant education gap, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, illiteracy, diseases and stifling innovation and progress. Therefore, our nation must rise to protect the potential and aspiration of our youth, for they are our greatest asset and hope for a prosperous future.”
It further reads; “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum is committed to the provision of inclusive quality education through improved budgetary provision for the educational sector to address the learning crisis in the country. We would consolidate our advocacy in guaranteeing that state governments in Nigeria allocate at least 15-20% of their fiscal budgets to education for subnational development.” The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Executive Governor of Kwara State, Dr. AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman.
The NGF Chairman was represented by NGF vice-chairman and Governor of Oyo State, Mr Oluseyi Makinde.
“We would consolidate our partnership and collaboration with the federal government, development partners and critical stakeholders in the education sector to address these challenges,” added Governor Makinde.
In her goodwill message, Jana Wooden, Education Director, United State Agency for International Development Agency (USAID) said: “USAID is committed to supporting inclusive foundational learning programmes through collaboration with the Ministry of Education, civil society organization, implementing partners and other donors to meet the needs of children and youth in Nigeria and globally.”
Ms Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, strongly emphasized, “Nigeria must prioritize the learning crisis in its developmental agenda. A united effort, blending political leadership, technical expertise, and local community involvement, is pivotal.”
She further added, “The time to zero in on and rededicate to learning is now, especially as the new administration chalks out its focus for the forthcoming five years.”
UNICEF reaffirms its support by collating insights from the conference and facilitating further refinement with stakeholders.
“The Conference was attended by distinguished persons including Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu; Dr. Mark Useni, House of Representatives’ Committee Chairman on Education; Ian Attfield, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Senior Education Advisor; Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission, and UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms Cristian Munduate, among other eminent personalities. The statement said.
