Youth education: A tool for nation building

There is a need for more efforts to be directed to developing the right mechanisms to empower and educate young people, Efforts should be directed to developing the right mechanisms to empower and educate young people.

Governments may have a lead role in providing a lawful environment that safeguards and promotes human rights.

Civic, religious, educational, business, labor, cultural and social organizations at all levels of society have important roles to play in reinforcing respect for human rights, as well. We need to unify our efforts in securing access to quality education for all.

Nigeria as a country must refocus its efforts to improve the quality, eliminate deep disparities, and invest more in infrastructure and access.

Education is one of the key priorities for nation building, Nigerians must advocate and are also advocating for quality education by engaging their children and others to ensure that there is universal access to such quality education.

To develop and deliver quality and inclusive education for young people that is learner-centered, adopts a lifelong learning approach, which is relevant to their lives and the social and environmental needs of their communities, and promotes sustainable lifestyles and sustainable development.

Promoting non-formal education by advancing youth policy frameworks that support non-formal education and its role in the development of young people’s knowledge, skills and competencies.

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Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially girls, might be forced to work, manage their households or care for their siblings. Young people who are affected by conflicts and emergencies; child marriage; pregnancies at a young age; disabilities; and a lack of access to education due to unknown circumstances. Whatever the circumstances, however, everyone has a right to learn and receive a quality education.

Access to quality education is not only beneficial for young people but also for the world, even a credible guarantee for a safer socio-economical, developmental, political, free and fair future.

Educating youths increases productivity and facilitates economic growth; knowledge, immunization, nutrition and general education can save lives; and quality education provides youths with the skills they need to take on leadership roles at local and national levels, enabling them to take part in decision-making on matters that affect their lives and their communities.

Convincing enough, young people who are educated on human rights can defend themselves and others; support their personal and their communities’ health and well-being; and contribute to building stronger families, communities, nations and, ultimately, the world.

The Nigerian government schools should provide education to prepare young people for both life and work. Educational attainment alone, however, does not provide the expected social and economic returns.

Education needs to effectively combine knowledge accumulation, life skills and critical thinking, enabling young people to navigate changing economies rapidly and successfully.

It must also enable young people to adopt sustainable lifestyles and contend with climate change, the greatest challenge of our time. Education needs to reflect our world’s diversity, including marginalized groups, and ensure gender equality. It should promote a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Education is the key to a credible and guarantee for a safer socio-economical, developmental, political free and fair future for productivity.

Education is a tool for nation building.

Abiodun Ifeoluwa Emmanuel writes from Lagos.