The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has advocated for a free and competency-based education system in Nigeria.
This was contained in a communique issued on Wednesday at the end of One-Day Multi-Zonal Press Conference, Organized by UNICEF in collaboration with Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA) marking the International Day of Education in Enugu.
The nine point communique which was signed by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, Comrade Sam Udekwe, the State Secretary, Dame lfeorna Amuta, the Chief Education Officer, Ministry of Education, Benue State, Mr Tume Ternenge and three others, observed that Nigeria is at a critical moment in its present educational state, therefore expects urgent and effective attention by government and all stakeholders in the education sector in making necessary contributions towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 4.
In this regards, the communique urged government of Nigeria “to ensure qualitative learning through equipment of all schools”.
It advocated for “skill-based learning system resulting in self-reliance on graduation. Promotion of the workability and efficacy of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NIP), as a platform for increased access to digital learning”.
The Conference advocated for “a tightened security in and around the schools as well as encourage schools in the rural areas to have access to up-to-date learning materials…safe, healthy, hygienic, and protective learning environment”.
It condemned discrimination against physically challenged children on school admission and advocates inclusiveness In the education system in that regard and called for the establishment of inclusive and equitable digital learning.
The conference which also observed the surge in violence, conflicts paralleled by an alarming rise of discrimination and hate speech is seen as the impact of this violence on education transcends ethnic, gender, religion, and politics in Nigeria, however commended UNICEF “for their educational mission of initiating child-friendly programmes that promote quality teaching and learning within a safe environment”.
