Revisit bill to make basic education fundamental right, coalition tells n’assembly

The national working group on basic and senior secondary education has asked the national assembly to revisit the bill making compulsory basic education a fundamental right.

In 2022, the bill was passed by both chambers of the national assembly. However, it was not assented to by then President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking on Wednesday at ‘A State of Girl Education Media Address’ in Suleja, Niger state, representatives of the coalition said education is the cornerstone of any prosperous society and key to unlocking the potential of individuals and communities alike.

The coalition said the Nigerian education sector suffers from out-of-school children, learning poverty and poor security.

The group commended President Bola Tinubu for his “consistent public commitment to education” and said it believes that under the current administration, Nigeria has the potential to become a leader in girl-child education.

The coalition said while it applauds the cash transfer strategy as a means of encouraging parents, it considers the reliance on the scheme incapable of ensuring that a substantial number of children are brought back into learning environments.

“We hereby call on the national assembly to revisit the constitution (fifth alteration) bill no. 63 (fundamental human rights) which sought to alter the provisions of the constitution to make free, compulsory, and basic education a fundamental right of all citizens under chapter IV of the constitution,” the coalition said.

The coalition also called for an increase in the resources allocated to the education sector.

“It is not just about funding more but funding better,” the group added.

“This means ensuring that funds are efficiently utilised to address pressing educational needs, including teacher training, infrastructure development, and provision of learning materials.

“It is, therefore, important to put Nigeria on track in line with Nigeria’s commitment to spend 4% of its GDP and 22.5% of its national budget on education by 2025 and maintain this until 2030.

“State governments, for their concurrency, are key to achieving this.

“Hence, we ask Mr President to build consensus and show strong leadership to state governors in promoting girls’ access, retention, and completion of primary, junior, and senior secondary school.

“The federal government should work swiftly and comprehensively with state governors to implement the national plan on financing safe schools 2023-2026 and the national policy on safety, security, and violence-free schools.

“Pay special attention to the unique challenges faced by remote communities, incorporating community-based safety plans, improved security infrastructures, and consistent safety education and drills.”