International Day of Education: Why Education Should be Prioritized

The International Day of Education is an annual event that celebrates the importance of education and it raises awareness about the need for inclusive and equitable education for all. This event is very special to us at Bridge Nigeria because it is a platform to secure our mission of providing quality education to millions of children further. 

According to a report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), about 20 million children are out of school in Nigeria as of October 2022, which is a far-reaching increase from 10.5 million out-of-school children recorded by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2020. Education remains in a situation of crisis: six out of 10 children cannot read and understand a simple story at age 10. This goes to show that there is a need for urgent intervention in the education sector.

What is the reason for the growing number of out-of-school children and how can many more children who go to school truly access quality education? The answer lies in the theme of this year’s event; investing in people, and prioritizing education. For this movement to be effective, all hands need to be on deck – governments, groups, individuals, organizations, influencers etc. It is also very important to look at some of the challenges that have caused a spike in the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, which are poverty, lack of access to quality education, cultural factors, conflicts and insecurity.

Many families in Nigeria live in poverty and cannot afford to send their children to school. The cost of accessing quality education, including school fees, uniforms, and supplies, can be a significant barrier for poor families. Bridge Community Schools ensures that the cost of accessing quality education is not a hindrance to learning by making school fees affordable as well as actively facilitating partnerships that help sponsor pupils from low-income families.

In some communities, cultural and social norms discourage or prohibit girls from attending school. In other cases, children may be required to work or contribute to the household income instead of attending school. In some parts of Nigeria, conflict and insecurity may make it dangerous for children to attend school, or schools may be destroyed or closed due to the conflict.

The goal of this year’s event is to call for mobilization around education and chart the way to translate commitments and global initiatives into action. A second look at the theme of the event reveals something deeper which is that by prioritizing education that is, getting more people educated, governments, individuals and organizations will be making more meaningful investments.

In all of these challenges, we must bear in mind that education must remain a priority because it is first a fundamental human right. Everyone has the right to an education, and countries need to ensure that all of their citizens have access to quality education.

Education is necessary for personal and societal development. Education helps individuals develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities. It also plays a crucial role in a country’s social and economic development.

Education can help address inequality and poverty. Education can help break the cycle of poverty by providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to secure good jobs and improve their financial situation. It can also help reduce inequality by providing equal opportunities for all members of society.

Education is essential for addressing global challenges. Education is essential for addressing global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and economic instability. Educated individuals are better equipped to solve these challenges and contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful world.

In conclusion, prioritizing education in Nigeria is crucial for the personal, social, and economic development of the country and its citizens, as well as for addressing global challenges.