From Maurice Okafor, Enugu.
A select group of Nigerian journalists drawn from North Central zone, South East and South South zones of the country, has called on the government at all levels, private organisations and other stakeholders in the education sector to guarantee the future of Nigerian youths in attaining quality education, by making it affordable to all Nigerian youths.
The newsmen stressed that as a matter of fact the government and every other stakeholder should work for the restoration of peaceful non crisis ridden environment for quality education to thrive in Nigeria.
The Journalists made the passionate in their communique issued on the plight of education in Nigeria,during a multi-zonal press conference to mark the 2024 International Day for Education(IDE) with theme, “Learning for Lasting Peace”,held at Fildema hotel Enugu, on Wednesday January 24.
The journalists called for improved security around schools aftermath increased crime rates in the country such as kidnapping,adduction,sexual abuse or molestation in which the children are also being devoured by criminals. Provision of adequate facilities and equipment that will encourage digital learning and skill acquisition among the children.
They equally condemned the ugly incidences whereby children with disabilities are not allowed to enrol by some school authorities should be discontinued.
The participants called on the government to halt the disparity and escalating cost of acquiring basic education among public and private schools,tasking the governnent to equip all public schools,as a means of restoring it’s lost glory.
Earlier in her remarks, the Chief of field office, UNICEF Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, in her remark, said “we gather not only to celebrate the vital role education in fostering lasting peace, but also to acknowledge the profound challenges that confront our world and impact the lives of those most vulnerable amogs us.
According to her, the international day of education serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of education in building peaceful society.
It also underscores the critical need for assesible and equitable quality education, especially during times of crisis, as we strive to uplift the hearts and minds of all individuals.
Mrs. Chiluwe, emphasized that the theme for this year’s celebration which is “Learning for Lasting Peace” carried a weighty significance, adding that it speaks to the enduring power of education as a tool for preventing, building, and sustaining peace.
The multi zonal press conference was organised by UNICEF in partnrmership with Broadcasting Corporation of Abia state(BCA).
