TIP tasks govt to prioritise education
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Nigerian government to develop immediate action towards boosting the safety of students in school.

This was as The Inclusion Project (TIP) called on government at all levels to prioritise education by injecting more funds and ensuring safe and quality basic education for all.

In a message, yesterday, to mark the International Day of Education, UNICEF cited a recent evaluation, which indicates that, on average, only 43 per cent of the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools are met in about 6,000 schools assessed.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed January 24 as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.

Theme of this year’s edition, ‘Learning for Lasting Peace’ reminds us of the crucial role education plays in promoting peace and stability. It serves as a reminder to all stakeholders – including governments, development partners, civil society, communities, and educators – of the importance of providing safe learning environments.

Acknowledging the significant progress made in providing access to education for 7.2 million children in humanitarian settings across Nigeria, UNICEF thanked the collaborative efforts of government, donors, and partners.

However, alongside this recognition, the agency highlights the need for concerted efforts to enhance school safety in Nigeria.

UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, said: “While Nigeria has shown a commitment to creating safe school environments through endorsing the Safe Schools Declaration and developing the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, there is room for further progress.”

On this important day, we are reminded of the collective responsibility we share in safeguarding the educational environment for every child.

“Education is a key driver of gender equality, economic growth, and social development. Sadly, it remains inaccessible to many Nigerian children. Their educational journey is often disrupted by attacks on communities and schools, including the abduction of students. These challenges are particularly acute for adolescent girls, potentially stalling the progress made in girls’ education in Nigeria.”

TIP, ina statement by its Director, Bidwell Onyeakosi, to mark International Day for Education, described education as a potent tool for shaping individuals’ perspectives, attitudes and behaviours to create a more peaceful society.

It urged government to launch aggressive implementation strategies and policies to advance total compliance with the provisions of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act, which will guarantee that every Nigeria child accesses free, compulsory and quality basic education.

Another Director, Pamela Okoroigwe, noted that to reduce violence in the country, the Federal Government must prioritise education and provide adequate funding for basic education to ensure well-equipped schools and well-trained teachers.

In celebration of the 2024 International Day of Education, the group stated that it would publish clips of traditional rulers and community leaders in Imo and Kano states encouraging girls to be in school and reaffirming communities’ efforts to support every girl to attend school up to secondary school.