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By Madu Obi
The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, has called on Nigerian leaders to renew their commitment to transforming the country's educational landscape to impact the lives of the vulnerable ones.
Speaking during the multi zonal press conference on the 2024 International Day of Education, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe observed that education has an enduring power for preventing, building and sustaining peace.
The Enugu Field Office comprises eight states drawn from the South East, North Central and South-South.
According to her, there is need to compel leaders to recognize the indispensable role education plays before, during and after conflicts, with a" particular emphasis on ensuring continuity for those who are most marginalized.
She said: "Education becomes a beacon for reducing inequities, injustice and inequalities, while nurturing the cognitive, social and emotional skills essential for safeguarding peace."
"We are well aware of the daunting global challenges of climate change, democratic erosion, persistent inequities, discrimination, hate speech, violence or conflict. In all these, education emerges as the beacon of hope as it equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of our present world."
She suggested that in a bid to ending the learning crisis, there is need to strengthen and accelerate skills development so as to make education a reality for every child, including those with disabilities and the adolescent girls.
She further stated: "We must increase resources allocated to education and redefine teacher standards and the invaluable role they play."
"The objectives for UNICEF Nigeria resonate deeply with the heart of our mission, which include delivering on commitments, ending the learning crisis, ensuring safe learning environments and advocating for increased domestic and international financing for education."
"To achieve these objectives, it is imperative that we embrace a deep commitment."
"May every child have the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to building a world that is not only peaceful, but also prosperous."
Together, we can make lasting strides in achieving the objectives set forth for UNICEF Nigeria and ultimately contribute to global efforts for sustainable development through quality education.
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