Civil society organisations and media representatives in Kaduna State have launched a joint effort to address pressing education issues, including teacher shortages, out-of-school children, and weak accountability.
Under the Beta Nigeria Education Campaign, stakeholders visited the State Universal Basic Education Board and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development to secure partnerships and refine campaign messaging.
Key challenges identified include low teacher incentives, inadequate housing, and political interference in recruitment. Recommendations include incentivising rural teacher deployment, improving inclusive education training, and enhancing accountability.
Suleiman Abdulazeez, Representative of Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), highlighted the need for inclusive policies to address barriers to education for persons with disabilities. Henry Michael, Representative of Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All (CSACEFA), advocated for government accountability and effective resource allocation to address teacher shortages and improve learning conditions in underserved areas.
Dr. Micah Shabi, an academic scholar, proposed holistic awareness campaigns targeting families to improve the perception of education. He also recommended revising curricula to incorporate relevant skill sets for employability.
The campaign aims to amplify advocacy efforts through traditional and digital platforms, with community influencers and a WhatsApp network already in place to raise awareness and sustain engagement.
Cov/Fadila Yunusa
