As the world commemorates the International Day of Education on January 24, the spotlight is on the pivotal role education plays in fostering lasting peace and development.
This year’s theme, “Learning for Lasting Peace,” emphasizes the urgency of leveraging education as a transformative force for a more harmonious world.
UNESCO’s Vision: Education as a Catalyst for Peace
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, has declared education a human right, a public good, and a public responsibility. Concerned about rising violent conflicts, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and hate speech, UNESCO champions the transformative power of education.
In November 2023, all 194 UNESCO Member States unanimously adopted the new Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development.
This global standard-setting instrument outlines 14 guiding principles, underscoring the role of education in shaping a peaceful future across various domains.
Challenges in Nigeria: Beyond Violence to Systemic Issues
While the world rallies around the IDE, Nigeria grapples with significant challenges in its education sector. Approximately 20 million school-age children are out of school, painting a grim picture of the nation’s educational landscape. Domestic issues, including poor funding and corruption, exacerbate the situation.
Misuse of grants from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has led to the suspension of some state governments from accessing funds. As of December 2023, a staggering N68,737,873,073 remained unutilized in the commission’s coffers.
Facilities in many schools are in disrepair, hindering access to education. Floods, a recurring menace, led to an average loss of 42 school days for pupils and students in 2022, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions face dire conditions, with insufficient funding and overcrowded facilities.
The Economic Impact: Investing in Education for Prosperity and Peace
Countries like Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands, which prioritize and adequately fund education, stand as beacons of economic advancement and high living standards.
These nations also boast lower crime rates, highlighting the correlation between education, prosperity, and peace.
UNESCO’s Call to Action: Education as a Long-Term Peacebuilding Tool
UNESCO’s commitment to global citizenship and peace education underscores the transformative potential of a well-resourced and transformed education system. Education, as a long-term tool, is essential for preventing, building, and sustaining peace. It empowers learners to become agents of change, countering hate speech and promoting understanding.
As we reflect on the International Day of Education, the call to action resonates:
Transform education for lasting peace, beginning with addressing the systemic challenges that hinder its progress.
On this International Day of Education, let us collectively strive to transform education, recognizing its potential to shape a future free from violence and filled with opportunities for all.
Written by Fortune Omosola
