FG to partner with CSOs on education sector reforms

The federal ministry of education says it is partnering with the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All (CSACEFA) to enhance Nigeria’s educational standards.

The CSACEFA is a national education coalition in Nigeria coordinating the activities of CSOs, education unions, and student bodies working on education issues.

Ibrahim Basuka, the special adviser to Suwaiba Ahmad, the minister of state for education, was at CSACEFA’s 2024 annual general meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

The conference, themed “Strengthening Partnership for Transformative Educational Development in Nigeria”, focused on fostering collaboration to address key challenges in the education sector.

Basuka said the education ministry is working with CSACEFA to achieve quality and inclusive education in Nigeria.

“It’s not just about promises. The minister is ready to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure quality and inclusive education in Nigeria,” he said.

“We’re building on existing progress to uplift educational standards and fulfil the president’s vision.”

Odinakachi Ahanonu, CSACEFA’s policy advisor, pointed out that funding and accountability are critical to growing Nigeria’s education sector.

She criticised Nigeria’s failure to meet the UNESCO-recommended budget allocation of 15-20 percent annual budgetary allocation for education.

Ahanonu said only two states have accessed the 2024 Universal Basic Education (UBE) fund.

“Without adequate funding, we cannot address the issues of infrastructure, quality teaching, and out-of-school children effectively,” she said.

“Civil society must intensify efforts to monitor these funds, ensure proper utilisation, and hold government officials accountable while in office.”

Duke Ogbureke, the national moderator of the CSACEFA, underscored the organisation’s role in monitoring education budgets and advocated for gender-sensitive teaching practices.

“While we’ve made progress, the challenges remain enormous. Nigeria still has over 18 million out-of-school children,” he said.

“Even for those in school, the quality of education and teacher morale are deeply problematic

“The need for increased funding and accountability in the education sector is urgent.”