Editorial

Education: Towards Learning For Lasting Peace

Published

2 years ago

January 24, 2024

As Nigeria participates in the global commemoration of the International Day of Education today, it is necessary to reflect on the themes related to education in the country. The International Day, marked every 24th of January, was established six years ago, to highlight the importance of education in society with a shared commitment to promoting accessible and equitable high-quality education. Education Day was established through a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution on December 3, 2018.
The theme of the 2024 celebrations: ‘Learning for Lasting Peace’ is apt and instructive. Already, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has provided an explanation for this theme, underscoring the current surge in violent conflicts alongside a disturbing increase in discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and hate speech. The impact of this violence knows no boundaries, whether geographical, gender-related, racial, religious, or political.
Consequently, there is an urgent need for a resolute commitment to peace.
Education plays a role in this endeavour, as emphasised by the UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development. The objective of learning for lasting peace is to be transformative, enabling learners to acquire the necessary knowledge, values, attitudes, skills, and behaviours to become agents of sustainable peace in their respective communities.
Recognising the utmost significance of education, the United Nations (UN) has embraced the integration of education into its ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), spotlighting its essential role in eradicating poverty and inequality. A robust economy, an enlightened society, and a vibrant culture – all these fundamental aspects of contemporary society rely heavily on the bedrock of high-quality education.
The right to education is indeed a universal human right that should be guaranteed to every child. However, it is alarming to see that there are still 258 million children and youth who are not able to attend school, while 617 million children and adolescents struggle with basic reading and math skills. The fact that less than 40 per cent of girls in Sub-Saharan Africa complete lower secondary school, and that there are four million out-of-school children and youth refugees is deeply concerning. It is clear that their right to education is being violated, and this is absolutely unacceptable.
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) invests funds raised from donor countries such as the US and UK in uplifting education opportunities for the vulnerable children and youths. It estimates to have granted more than $231million for education in Kenya alone since 2005, and more than $275million for Nigeria over the last decade. In total, GPE has spent more than $5.7billion of donor funding on education across sub-Saharan Africa. But despite such levels of government and international spending, education outcomes are at crisis levels in the continent.
In Nigeria, the attendance rate for children of primary school age stands at a concerning 61 per cent, with even lower figures observed in the northern regions. The situation becomes particularly dire for female children in the North, as only approximately 40 per cent of them are enrolled in schools. Despite the technical requirement of compulsory education in Nigeria, nearly half of the primary school-aged children do not have access to education. This issue persists and worsens as children progress to secondary and tertiary levels, as highlighted by United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in 2022.
The primary aspect of concern pertains to the number of children who are out of school, yet this is only one facet of the problem. Another critical issue revolves around the caliber of education that is accessible, encompassing various aspects such as the state of infrastructure and learning environments, the applicability and versatility of the curriculum, and the competence of educators and the process of training teachers.
Attention and action at a political strategy level is needed to address many issues in the education sector. The government must prioritise and invest in education effectively, including resource allocation for the Ministry of Education. Concerns about the current curriculum across all school levels should be addressed, evaluating its relevance and its preparation of Nigerian graduates for international competition. Also, the curriculum should equip students with necessary skills to tackle future challenges. These questions require thoughtful consideration and prompt action.
Evaluation of the teacher training colleges and the entry criteria for student teachers is required. A reassessment of the minimum requirements for studying education at the university level is also necessary. It is vital to determine whether education courses serve as a refuge for students unable to pursue their desired fields or if they truly attract the most talented individuals. Although infrastructure is significant, addressing these aforementioned concerns should take precedence as a well-equipped computer laboratory or library would remain underutilised otherwise.
Standardisation of the education industry is worrisome. Schools are established hastily in residential property without proper regulations. Unlicensed teachers are frequently hired to instruct students, and each school has the autonomy to choose the curriculum they wish to follow. Although this approach may elevate educational standards in certain cases, it also leaves room for lower standards in others. Therefore, consistent policies and procedures must be established to ensure uniformity throughout the education system.
The enhancement of the health and safety of students, as well as the improvement of working conditions for teaching staff, is of utmost importance. Furthermore, it is crucial to protect the rights and well-being of the girl child in Nigeria. Given these considerations, it would be highly detrimental for Nigeria to ignore the impact that education has on the overall quality of life for its citizens. A society that prioritises literacy fosters understanding, international cooperation, and a value-driven commitment towards our nation’s collective objectives and state-of-being.

Editorial

Charge Before New Rivers Council Helmsmen

Published

6 days ago

September 29, 2025

The Tide

On the 30th of August, Rivers people trooped out to participate in local government elections conducted across the state. These elections, which produced new chairmen and councillors for the 23 local government areas (LGAs), were organised by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The exercise has ushered in a new crop of grassroots leaders whose shoulders now bear the responsibility of steering the affairs of their respective councils. With the polls concluded and winners duly announced, the time has come for the newly elected officials to roll up their sleeves and begin the hard work of governance.

According to the results declared by RSIEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured a dominant lead, winning chairmanship seats in 20 of the 23 local government councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched the remaining three. This outcome not only reflects the current political dynamics in the state but also places a significant weight of expectation on the shoulders of the APC-led councils to justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate. It is imperative that political rhetoric now gives way to tangible development, especially at the grassroots level where government is felt most directly.

Following the elections, the successful chairmen were officially sworn into office by the former Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas. The solemn ceremony marked a transition from campaign promises to the reality of public service. With their inauguration complete, the time for celebration has ended; the time for delivery has commenced. The electorate now awaits meaningful action that reflects the hopes and aspirations of the voting public.

As helmsmen of their various LGAs, these leaders must quickly settle down to work. Their constituents expect them to provide direction, formulate policies, and execute programmes that will uplift communities long neglected. The local government tier is closest to the people and, as such, must rise above politicking to meet the everyday needs of the citizenry. It is not enough to occupy office; they must make their impact visibly and positively felt across their domains.

The Supreme Court ruling mandating direct allocation of funds to local governments—although not yet fully implemented—is a welcome development that underscores the autonomy of the third tier of government. Once this is operationalised, the excuses often cited for underperformance will no longer hold water. With funds directly accessed from the Federation Account, council administrations will be better empowered to meet the developmental needs of their localities, if only they manage resources judiciously and prioritise the right projects.

The onus is now on the chairmen to contribute meaningfully to the broader development of Rivers State. The state government cannot and should not be expected to do everything. Local government councils have defined responsibilities—ranging from rural infrastructure, primary healthcare, and basic education to waste management and local security—that must be adequately addressed. It is high time they stopped passing the buck and started acting as the elected leaders they are.

We extend our congratulations to all who emerged victorious in the elections. However, with this victory comes great responsibility. It is no longer about party affiliations or electoral campaigns; it is about governance. The chairmen must launch people-centred projects that will genuinely improve the lives of the rural populace—projects in water supply, road maintenance, school renovation, and youth empowerment, among others. Let their tenure be remembered for its impact, not its slogans.

Central to their mandate should be the welfare of workers. Council employees form the engine room of local governance, and their morale significantly affects service delivery. The new chairmen must ensure regular payment of salaries, staff training, and a conducive working environment. Neglecting this vital aspect will only hinder whatever grand plans they may have for their LGAs.

It is also essential to institute a robust peer review mechanism. The new LG officials should not operate in isolation; rather, they should learn from one another, share ideas, and compete constructively in a bid to outperform each other in service delivery. Healthy competition among council areas will drive innovation and foster accelerated development. Such a system will also help the public identify high-performing councils for emulation.

Given the typically short tenure of council administrations, it is crucial that they focus on projects that are realistic and impactful. Time and resources should not be wasted on white elephant ventures that are neither sustainable nor beneficial to the people. Instead, chairmen should pursue programmes that match their timelines and address immediate community needs.

Peace and security must remain a cardinal objective for all council steersmen. Regardless of who facilitated their election or what political loyalties they hold, they must ensure peace reigns in their areas. Development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of tension and distrust. These leaders must work closely with traditional rulers, youth groups, and civil society organisations to maintain law and order.

A critical understanding must also prevail—that chairmen are leaders of the people, not just leaders of political parties. They must conduct themselves as impartial administrators serving all constituents, irrespective of political affiliations. Additionally, they must work harmoniously with the state governor, who remains the leader of the state. Petty rivalries and political infighting serve no purpose in the development agenda.

Now that the elections are over and governance has begun, it is essential for these chairmen and councillors to adopt an inclusive approach. They must carry everyone along—party members and opposition alike—in their development plans. Creating division or playing favourites will only fracture communities and stall progress. Leadership at the grassroots demands fairness, equity, and a listening ear.

Rivers people have played their part by coming out to vote. The baton has now been passed to the new council helmsmen. They must seize the opportunity to leave lasting legacies in their communities. History will not judge them by the number of rallies they held or the speeches they gave, but by the quality of life they brought to their people. Let them not squander this moment.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

2 weeks ago

September 22, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.

What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.

According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.

The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?

In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.

We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.

The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.

Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.

Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.

Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.

This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.