The Nigerian Governors Forum has called upon its members to designate a minimum of 15% of their state budgets towards the education sector.
During a briefing held in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Education, Chairman of the Forum, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, emphasized the importance of this commitment.
The event was a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Education and the United Nations Children’s Fund, under the theme “Scaling Foundational Literacy and Numeracy in Nigeria.”
Representing Kwara State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, in his capacity as Vice Chairman of NGF, stressed the urgency of removing barriers hindering access to education.
He underscored the significance of adhering to UNESCO standards for a progressive and sustainable education system, stating that governors across states must allocate more than 15% of their budgets to education.
Governor Makinde voiced his support for declaring a state of emergency in the education sector but emphasized the necessity of backing this declaration with tangible actions and resources.
He insisted that not only should a state of emergency be declared, but also all the essential resources and measures must be put in place to facilitate rapid progress.
Recognizing the crisis in the education system, he advocated for a state of emergency to be declared in all sectors, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, collective effort.
Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, acknowledged the urgency of addressing the learning crisis, highlighting that education is the foundation of societal progress and individual empowerment.
He stressed that the current challenges require immediate attention, dedication, and concrete action.
