Category: Northern Reports

Kaduna State Commissioner of Education, Professor Muhammad Sani Bello, has identified continuous learning, as the key to the survival of people and the planet in the face of universal challenges of global warming, population growth, and digitalisation.

This was even as it said that Nigeria cannot meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without paying proper attention to learning, especially of children.

Bello stated this while speaking at the 2024 International Literacy Day Celebration, organized by Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) and Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB).

At the event, pupils of public primary schools from Kaduna North and Kaduna South local government areas were brought to compete in debate, poetry, and quiz competitions among others.

Professor Bello who was represented by the Director of Public Schools, Malam Mukhtar Maude said, a population without a minimum level of literacy proficiency are potentially excluded from a range of opportunities in their lives.

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He said: “Having a literate population enables us to share ideas, preserve information and explore different ways of life. It improves lives by expanding capabilities which in turn reduces poverty, increases participation in labour market and has positive effects on health and social development.

“Sustainable development cannot be achieved without learning. Learning largely depends on access to text-based information and communication. Thus, continuous, independent, and lifelong learning is impossible without mastering basic competencies such as literacy and numeracy, which are necessary to develop other high-demand skills, including effective communication, problem-solving, and critical information analysis.

“Those without a minimum level of literacy proficiency are potentially excluded from a range of life opportunities. In addition to being a key component of lifelong learning, literacy is a fundamental human right.

“In a context of rapid change, which includes such factors as population growth, global warming, and digitalization, continuous learning becomes essential for the survival of people and the planet,” the Commissioner said.

Also speaking, at the event, the Kaduna State Team Lead for PLANE, Mrs Diana Agabi said, PLANE considers it very important to mark World Literacy Day, “because, the ability of a child to read and write is very key to general learning.”

Mrs Agabi said PLANE supported pupils from primary 1 to 6 in Kaduna State to enable them to read and write.

“We believe that the tendency of a child dropping out of school becomes very low after learning how to read and write.”

Permanent Member KADSUBEB, Dr. Jamilu Haruna, encouraged the pupils to focus on their learning, as education is key to their personal development in life.

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola has called for a review of the laws and policies governing the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria.

She said the review would enhance access to justice for all, especially the young people.

Abiola said this at an Access to Justice roundtable meeting which was convened as part of activities to mark the 2024 International Youth Day in Abuja over the weekend.

The event was organised by the Office of The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to President Bola Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership, in partnership with Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF/LEAP Africa), Public and Private Development Council (PPDC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Abiola noted that while economic empowerment is of critical importance and education is key to a brighter future and greater opportunities, protection of the rights of young people is a key step in building a truly just and equitable society.

According to her, this would enhance access to justice for young people who are navigating the criminal justice system.

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She said: “A key step in the quest to build a truly just and equitable society is to work to enhance access to justice for young people who are navigating the criminal justice system. Earlier this year, I accompanied the Honourable Minster of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on a visit to Kuje Correctional Centre.

“It was an opportunity to witness the commendable efforts of the dedicated officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, but that visit further highlighted the fact that the overwhelming majority of incarcerated persons across our correctional facilities are young people, many of whom are awaiting trial.

“While young people falling on the wrong side of the law can be attributed to several factors including peer pressure and other such things, one thing youth advocates all agree on is that there is a critical need to review the laws and policies governing the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, with a view to enhancing Access to Justice for all who require it, while also better safeguarding the welfare, rights and interests of young people.’’

She assured that the meeting, which is targeted at recommending reforms for the justice system, will not only be a talkshop as the administration of President Tinubu was committed to youth development which is a key component in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She added: Youth development is a key component of the Renewed Hope agenda and Mr. President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting, empowering and uplifting young people since he took over the mantle of leadership through several consistent actions such as Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Nigeria Youth Academy, Corpreneur scheme, and many more.”