Lord Mayor of Leeds City, United Kingdom, Abigail Katung, has advocated a multi-dimensional strategy to boost education quality in Nigeria.

Katung made the call while delivering the 22nd convocation lecture of the Igbinedion University, Okada, titled: “Education for national impact.”

He underscored the need for quality education in Nigeria, citing systemic challenges such as inadequate funding and outdated curriculum as factors hindering its development.

The Nigerian-British born politician advocated the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)-recommended budgetary provisions, transparency, and effective resource utilisation as strategies to enhance learning quality.

She said: “Education remains the most effective tool for societal transformation. Nigeria, with a youthful population, needs education to lift individuals out of poverty and empower marginalised communities. Therefore, access to education should not be determined by gender, class, or geography.”

To reduce unemployment in the country, Katung canvassed a review of the curriculum to emphasise Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), as well as entrepreneurship and skills acquisition.

She further called for the infusion of e-learning, investment in tertiary education, and research on national needs.

Katung noted that there is a need to encourage public-private partnerships and collaborations with traditional and religious leaders to promote quality education.

She equally charged the graduands to see academic success as a responsibility, rather than a personal feat.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, said a total of 856 graduands, comprising 718 undergraduates and 138 postgraduate students would be awarded at the ceremony for the 2023/2024 academic session.

Ezemonye charged the graduands to use the tools and knowledge acquired during their time at the university to create a world that reflects the values of the university.