BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All (CSACEFA) has called on governments to urgently address pressing issues in the education sector, including the alarming number of out-of-school children, the welfare of teachers and the need for inclusive and quality education for children living with disabilities.
This appeal was made during a press briefing held in commemoration of World Education Day, celebrated on January 24, held at the Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ), press center, with the aim of highlighting the urgent need to enhance the inclusivity, accessibility, and effectiveness of the state’s education system.
The State Coordinator of CSACEFA and Executive Director of the Julie Austin Foundation, Mrs. Juliana Nzemeaka, emphasized the coalition’s concern about the rising number of children unable to access formal education. She described it as a significant crisis that could hinder the long-term development of the state if left unaddressed.
According to Nzemeaka, “The number of out-of-school children in Delta State is alarming. Children from these backgrounds often face cycles of poverty and marginalization. We cannot afford to leave any child behind. The future of Delta State depends on ensuring every child has access to quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
She acknowledged Other organizations involved in the celebration, the Monu Oduah Foundation, the Forum for African Women Educationalists, the Development Initiative for Community Impact, and WOCHI Hope for All Rights Initiative.
Similarly, the immediate past State Coordinator of CSACEFA and Executive Director of the Afro Centre for Development, Peace, and Justice, Mrs. Augusta Keneboh, appealed to the government to prioritize Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which focuses on providing access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. She also emphasized the need to deploy more teachers in rural schools and called for stricter monitoring to ensure safer learning environments for students and teachers.
“Teachers must be treated with dignity and respect. Their welfare should be prioritized to motivate them and enhance their performance in the classroom. Improved working conditions and access to professional training and resources are critical measures to boost the morale of educators in the State,” The state government must act now to identify and reintegrate out-of-school children through community-based programs, free education policies, and incentives for low-income families.” she stated.
In her address, the Executive Director of Precious Family Aid Charity Foundation (PFAF), Mrs. Pat Gbemudu, highlighted the importance of creating a conducive learning environment for the girl child. She also stressed the need to restore order and enforce policies to curb the growing number of out-of-school children in the state.
Adding to the discussion, Mrs. Josephine Omodior Executive Director of Eye on the Future Initiative and a CSACEFA member, spoke on the significance of this year’s World Education Day theme: “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.” She called for reflections on the transformative power of education and its role in shaping technological advancement.
“AI offers major opportunities for education, provided its deployment in schools is guided by clear ethical principles. To reach its full potential, this technology must complement the human and social dimensions of learning rather than replace them. Artificial intelligence should serve as a tool to enhance the autonomy and well-being of teachers and pupils,” Mrs. Omodior explained.
She urged the state government to incorporate the use of AI in schools and provide training for both teachers and students to enhance their technological skills and improve learning outcomes.
