As Nigerians, we love our country’s rich culture and we feel proud of the amazing people it has produced. Nevertheless, it’s disheartening to observe the declining state of education in our primary schools, which were once beacons of excellence. Instead of getting better, things seem to be going backward, posing significant challenges for future generations.
Recent research showed that approximately one in five of the world’s out-of-school children are Nigerian, totalling more than 10 million boys and girls. This staggering statistic highlights a critical issue that demands urgent attention.
However, in the middle of these challenges, a beacon of hope emerges – Bētá Nigeria. This is a campaign that aims to make education a top priority for all citizens of Nigeria. It is a coalition comprising civil society, media, and citizens. Its goal is to introduce new voices into the discussion on education reform, advocate for improved education outcomes, recognize successes, promote innovation, and ensure government accountability.
Bētá Nigeria is funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), but it is run by Nigerians for Nigerians. It has a simple mission – get every child in school, make them stay in school and have access to quality education.
The first step towards achieving this mission is by launching a series of roundtable discussions in Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Abuja with dedicated individuals passionate about improving education outcomes for Nigerian children.
These discussions will focus on education reform, specifically what needs to change to make education a stronger investment in Nigeria’s future, and how we can work together to achieve these goals.
The first discussion kicked off on Saturday, March 23, 2024 in the Kano Capital Primary School Hall, Kano State. Among the partnership invitations sent was one to Startup Kano
The discussions encompassed several key topics:
- Beginning with an exploration of the significance of education and emphasizing its benefits.
- Strategies for boosting education reform efforts
- Investing in the future generations
- Ways to capitalize on existing momentum
Our vibrant and youthful population offers a significant opportunity. By ensuring that Nigerian children attend school, stay enrolled, and acquire knowledge, we can create a more secure, resilient, and prosperous Nigeria. Achieving this requires increased investment in education and empowering the next generation.