By Sarah NEGEDU
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark this year’s International Children’s Day, the Federal Government has re-affirmed its commitment to all matters relating to the total well-being and development of the Nigerian child.
According to President Bola Tinubu, his administration is currently embarking on key transformative policies to create a conducive learning environment across the country.
President Tinubu who was speaking at an event to mark the 2024 National Children’s Day in Abuja on Monday, said the federal government had established the National Education Data System, approved skill development for all levels of education and teachers ‘training in digital skills.
Tinubu, who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said government has also committed to establishing 24 skills and innovation hubs and Entrepreneurship Centres across the country.
“Also, the FG is set to inaugurate private sector Innovation Enterprise Centres across the country to deliver on the skills acquisition programme of the government.
“The government is also building 91 Vocational Centres in secondary schools across the country to ensure that all levels of education enjoy the impact of our policy.
“We are also working with the State Commissioners of Women Affairs and the State Ministries of Education, State Universal Basic Education Board and Civil Society Organisations to ensure quality education and skills development for Nigerian children,” Tinubu said.
Earlier, the Children Parliament, FCT, stressed the need to receive the education and skills necessary to thrive.
The Speaker of the parliament, Rahama Waziri, said, empowering children with education and skills was pivotal to the sustainable growth and development of the country.
“It is through their eyes that we envision a brighter tomorrow, and it is through their development that we can achieve it.
“Education is the bedrock of any progressive society. It is the tool that empowers individuals to transcend the limitations of their circumstances and achieve their full potential.
“For the Nigerian child, quality education is not just a right but a necessity. It is the gateway to opportunities, the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and the foundation for a prosperous and equitable society.”
She also stressed the need for skills development, describing it as crucial in preparing children for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
She noted that the world was rapidly evolving, and the jobs of tomorrow would demand a diverse set of skills.
“It is imperative that we children are equipped with both technical and soft skills that will enable us to adapt and thrive.
“We need to ensure that schools are well-equipped with modern facilities, including libraries, laboratories, digital resources, with curriculum updated to reflect current realities and future projections.
“In this digital age, technology plays a crucial role in education. Integrating ICT in classrooms can enhance learning experiences and provide students with the skills needed in a tech-driven world,” she said.
On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, assured the children that their rights would be protected.
Kennedy-Ohanenye said: “When it comes to fighting for your rights, I shall always be there for you because Mr. President said the poor shall breathe and the children are one of the vulnerable.
