Picture of President Tinubu with Aisha Garba | PHOTO CREDIT: ThisDay
According to President Bola Tinubu, many Nigerians were able to escape poverty thanks to the free basic education programs that the Western, Eastern, and Northern Region Premiers introduced nationwide in 1955, 1957, and 1960, respectively.
He claimed that the nation's founding fathers' free primary education programs served as a means of restoring dignity to innumerable families nationwide.
Speaking as the Distinguished Guest of Honor, President Tinubu attended the 70th anniversary celebration of the introduction of Free Universal Primary Education in Nigeria on Thursday in Lagos.
As part of the celebrations for the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Independent Newspapers Limited organized the platinum jubilee.
Tinubu praised the vision of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo and challenged governments across to emulate the founding fathers, while been represented by Aisha Garba, Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education (UBEC).
"Our founding fathers did not merely launch a program they defined a national identity that Nigeria's greatness is rooted in the enlightenment of all," the president said.
"Anniversaries call us to faithfulness. The torch that was lighted on January 17, 1955, in Ibadan must remain lit. Every government has an obligation to uphold the principle that every Nigerian kid has the right to an education. The Renewed Hope Agenda is the moniker given to the renewal during this administration. Making education the driving force behind national rejuvenation, the guarantee of equal citizenship, and the route to shared prosperity is not a catchphrase; rather, it is the organizing concept of this administration.
Tinubu weighed in on the difficulties caused by the vast numbers of children who are not attending school in each state, stating that "education is not just a social service." It is a moral obligation, an economic growth plan, and a national security requirement.
"Every Naira spent on education is an investment in the future of Nigeria." Young people are both our greatest resource and our biggest challenge. We cannot watch helplessly as our kids miss school. We have to ensure learning and access. We have to provide excellence and equity. Anything less would violate the seventy-year-old pact.
He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to prioritizing education in governance, funding, and policy.
The President said that "The Universal Basic Education Commission has evolved from a grant administrator to a true system reformer," citing the historic improvements in the education sector overseen by Aisha Garba.
According to him, UBEC "now focuses on improving quality learning, stronger financing, and institutional reform nationwide, as well as increasing equitable access to basic education in all parts of Nigeria." Due to these improvements, 28 states have used 70% of the federal matching grants that had been inaccessible for many years in just one year. These funds have now been released to expedite additional educational expenditures and enhance quality and accessibility in all Nigerian states.
In order to reach the millions of students and educators who are already gaining from programs that enhance quality, accessibility, and fortify educational systems for long-term sustainability, we have doubled the government's budgetary allotment to Basic Education and raised more than $1 billion in development finance for education.
"More than 500,000 teachers have received training in just two years, with a goal of one million by the following year." Ongoing activities are having a positive impact on more than 20 million basic education students.
"Development partners, teachers, parents, and other important stakeholders continue to play invaluable roles in basic education," the president emphasized.
The President remarked, "Your unwavering support is greatly appreciated, and your contribution is still crucial to our shared mission."
Tags:
Nigeria news