Security challenges have been identified as a factor undermining quality education in the country.
Besides, the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) said the challenges are detrimental to the successful implementation of UBE programs in Nigeria.
FOMWAN stated these in a communique issued at the end of the recently held 20th Annual Education Summitsummit held in Yola, Adamawa state. The Summit had eighty –five, (85) participants in physical attendance while about forty, (40) participants joined through Zoom.
The summit, consequently, urged the government to make the learning environment secure for teaching and learning through the provision of tight security in schools.
The Theme of the Summit was :“Achieving Total Development through Quality Education in the Midst of Security Challenges“
It has the following sub-themes:“Enforcing Free and Compulsory Basic Education in the Midst of Security Challenges” “Implementation of School Curriculum for Functional Education for the Youths; and Adequate Resources (Human and Material ) for Education.
A communique issued at the end of the two day programme was signed by Dr. Lateefa M. Durosinmi, Chairperson National Education Committee and Hajiya Halima Jubril, National Amirah.
The summit discussed issues bothering on Terrorism, militancy, kidnapping, election related violence, hunger, environmental degradation, diseases and serious infection of the recent Covid-19 pandemic were identified as security challenges undermining Quality Education in the country.
It identified the following issues that Security challenges are detrimental to the successful implementation of UBE programs in Nigeria; The increase in security challenges in our schools results into emotional stress/ trauma on the pupils/students; Investment in education is key and a necessary condition for promotion and economic growth and national development. Thus, education should be well funded; Shortage of fund, political issues, misuse /poor management of school facilities, ineffective school leadership, supply of substandard educational materials, low staff morale among others, are causes of inadequate educational resources; The absence of vital role of parents for functional education for youths and conducive learning atmosphere for learners are detrimental to quality education.”
It therefore came up with some far reaching recommendations which includes, “Government should ensure the enforcement of the free and compulsory basic education;
“The need to involve all stakeholders, (parents, teachers, students) from the planning stage to the implementation of new education curriculum in order to make it more functional;
“Commendation of the efforts of the Government in tackling the issue of insecurity but appeals for more actions to further curb the issues of kidnapping, banditry & other insurgencies to prevent education bankruptcy and food insecurity;
“Making the learning environment secure for teaching and learning through the provision of tight security in schools;
“Safety of school environment must be pursued by all stakeholders
“Successful implementation of the curriculum, the teachers should be dedicated, have mastery of the subjects as well as the willingness and readiness to implement;
“Provision of adequate resources, infrastructures and instructional facilities.
“That, school administrators should be encouraged to develop methods of prudent resource management as well as In- service trainings on how to manage resources for education.
Highlights of the summit include a presentation by Students of Iqra Academy, Yola, on Girl Child education as well as a debate.
In her welcome address, the National Chairperson of FOMWAN Education Committee, Dr. Lateefa Durosinmi stressed the importance of education in the socio-economic, political, scientific, technological advancement and in the maintenance of peace and security in the society.
The key note address by Dr. Abubakar Alaksim, which focussed on the theme of the Summit was delivered by Dr. Fatima M. Joda. Good will messages were delivered by the representatives of the wife of the Governor, His Royal Highness, the Lamido Adamawa, the Education Secretary, Yola North, and the representative of State Muslim Council.
