Stakeholders canvass equitable access to learning for youths

National President of JCI Nigeria, Adetola Juyitan, who spoke at the one-day summit themed, “Transforming education; Rethinking the present,” noted that youths, regardless of their background, religion and race have significant roles to play in national development, hence the need for inclusiveness and widening of access to quality education across the country.

“Youths must begin to embrace a digital mindset if they are really interested in causing any change in our society. They all must rise above their present holdbacks and challenge themselves to take on new actionable ideas that are in tune with the reality of the present age. But all hands must be on deck to ensure quality education is given to all.”

Wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, who was also in attendance, expressed delight for being part of the historic celebration. She applauded JCI Nigeria for its contribution towards youths’ development.She said providing equal opportunities for education of young ones is the core of her personal project as well as the administration of her husband, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, adding that they are committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 of the United Nation (UN).

Also, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, made an urgent call-to-action for every youth in the country to contribute their part by ensuring that inclusive and equitable access to education was made possible to everyone “especially now that we now live in a digital age.”

Director, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Nigeria, Robert Kayanda, on his part, revealed that the commemoration of the historic day, which has been ongoing for 20 years, forms part of the UN agenda to support the youth.

According to him, the choice of the theme was timely given that UN as an organisation was already making effort to ensure that Nigeria’s education system is fit for the digital age.

The experts, in their respective remarks enjoined all youths across the country to harness the enormous potentials, boundless energy and creativity within themselves as a launch pad to self-development. They also charged them to strive to contribute to the socio-economic solutions that are in tune with the present realities of the country.Adetola, while commending the awardees for their dedication and perseverance to success despite all odds, appreciated and presented awards of commendation to all ten honorees in different categories.