Stakeholders in the education sector have called for urgent policy reforms to reposition Nigeria for relevance on the global stage.
They stressed that education remains the bedrock of any thriving society, and for Nigeria to compete globally, the country must rethink its approach to primary and secondary education.
Speaking during a recent policy dialogue organised by the Ednue Initiative at Nile University, Abuja, stakeholders drawn from across the education, policy, and development sectors brainstormed on actionable strategies for transforming the nation’s education system.
The dialogue aimed to ensure that policies are responsive to local needs while positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the 21st-century knowledge economy.
Founder of the Ednue Initiative, Ahmad Tubo, in a statement made available to journalists, said experts at the event emphasized the need to improve curriculum innovation, teacher training, infrastructure, and technology integration in schools to foster socio-economic development.
Tubo also advocated sustained, long-term advocacy efforts to bridge the gap between policy ideas and tangible change. According to him, Nigeria’s most progressive policies have often resulted from consistent citizen engagement and pressure.
He cited recent improvements in tax legislation, which followed years of civil society advocacy for transparency and efficiency, as proof that reforms are achievable when citizens and organized groups engage the system persistently.
Sharing his personal experience, Tubo noted that his transition from concerned citizen to advocate for change was driven by his belief that Nigeria’s development depends on informed, active citizenship.
“While I may just be one person, I recognize that systemic change begins with individuals who dare to challenge the status quo,” he said. “Ednue Initiative is committed to building a movement that empowers everyday Nigerians with the knowledge to demand better governance.”
He disclosed that the initiative currently works with community volunteers across various regions, spreading social education and equipping citizens with the tools to hold leaders accountable.
“When people understand how policies affect their lives, they are more likely to become active participants in shaping those policies,” he added.
Tubo also announced plans for a nationwide campaign to educate citizens about their roles in policy development, engage communities in dialogues on education reform, and empower the next generation of advocates to drive Nigeria’s development.
“I envision a Nigeria where policy is not just made for the people but with the people. And I am confident that with sustained advocacy, we will get there,” he stated.
Tubo further appreciated the participation of several notable figures at the event, including the Head of Peace, Dialogue, and Reconciliation at Operation Safe Corridor, Defence Headquarters, Aliyu Gebi; Executive Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, represented by Dr. Tade Fadare; Founder of Future Prowess Islamic Foundation, Barrister Zannah Mustapha; Vice Chairman (Africa) of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization, Mr. Bello Bala Shagari; CEO of Nev Motors, Mr. Mosope Olaosebikan; and Mr. Bello Bello, author of two acclaimed books.
