Members of the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All, CSACEFA, in Nigeria, have called on the federal government and stakeholders in the education sector to re-evaluate their performance so far and make good their promise in giving the sector a priority.
The Coalition tasked the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the strict implementation of budget in the education sector.
CSACEFA identified poor budgeting, poor implementation of the budget, non-compliance with the Universal Basic Education Commission policy and utilization of counterpart funds as major issues facing the education sector at different levels.
CSACEFA stated these in a statement signed and made available to Voice of Nigeria by the Coalition’s Focal Director for the Federal Capital Territory, Abdullahi Sale, on the commemoration of the Global Action Week on Education 2023.
Basic Education In FCT
Speaking specifically on the state of basic education in the nation’s capital, CSACEFA demanded that the FCT administration give priority to education by budgeting in line with global demands.
It added that this remains the panacea for any meaningful development.
“We also ask for the proper implementation of the budget. Money should be put in places that can bring positive results while staff training should be prioritised. We also hope to see FCT-UBEB take advantage of the counterpart funds made available by
UBEC for the good of the sector so that infrastructure can be provided for a conducive learning environment.”
The coalition noted with dismay the state of public schools in the nation’s capital, describing it as an “eye sore”.
They called on the administration of the FCT to rethink its approach and make education a priority even.
New Administration
CSACEFA pledged its resolution to continually put in its best to make Nigeria develop by contributing its expertise and know-how in monitoring the effective use of resources and impartial implementation of the policies put in place for Nigerians.
“We welcome the new administration with the hope that they will do things differently. We hope to see an upward review of the education budget, capacity strengthening for staff and proper implementation of policies so that the issues reflected in the society will be addressed squarely.”
He however pledged the allegiance of the coalition to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and promise to at all times uphold the unity of the nation by being true and faithful in the cause of nation-building.
GAWE 2023
The Global Action Week for Education (GAWE) is one of the most important events for the education movement worldwide.
GAWE 2023 is celebrated annually. In this year’s edition, the campaign completes 20 years, embracing the slogan “Investing in a Just World: Decolonising Education Financing Now!”
GAWE 2023 held between 29th of May and June 2nd with a special call to the governments of nations to comply with the Transformative Education Summit’s call to action on financing agreed by the Heads of State in September 2022.
Emmanuel Ukoh
