Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed that the recent Supreme Court ruling, which grants full financial autonomy to local government councils, will significantly enhance Nigeria’s universal basic education system,leadership reports.
Speaking on Thursday at the public presentation of the book “Navigating the Politics of Universal Education Policies in Nigeria” by Professor Modupe Adelabu, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, Shettima emphasized that the autonomy granted to local governments, which are directly responsible for primary education, will address the financial constraints that have previously hindered the alignment of administrative units with the government’s educational goals.
In a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima highlighted that the ongoing reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu are aimed at addressing the deficiencies and ideological barriers that have long frustrated the country’s universal education efforts. He underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to leading the charge in reforming institutions tasked with overcoming these challenges.
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“The absence of local government autonomy has posed significant financial obstacles in aligning administrative units with our educational agenda. However, the Supreme Court’s recent decision, which empowers local government councils to manage their resources, brings the government closer to the people and offers new hope for our educational initiatives,” Shettima stated.
The Vice President also urged all levels of government to prioritize policies that empower those directly involved in implementing educational initiatives that inspire interest in learning. He highlighted the importance of President Tinubu’s decision to establish the Student Loan Scheme in securing the future of Nigerian children.
“The initiative ensures that every student has access to loans to pay their tuition, and the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has already received an overwhelming number of applications. This is a landmark achievement, signaling the bright future we are building for our youth. Beyond making education universally free, our experience shows that incentivizing education is the most practical approach. This is why all levels of government must unite in the campaign to educate the nation,” Shettima added.
He further stressed the urgent need for action to make education both accessible and desirable for every Nigerian child, emphasizing its critical role in long-term national development. Shettima noted that many children of primary and secondary school age are still not attending or completing their education, and a significant portion of the youth population lacks basic literacy skills, with notable gender disparities that must be addressed.
The Vice President also commended Professor Adelabu, the author of the book, for addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by policymakers. He expressed confidence that her book would inspire informed discussions about the state and future of education in Nigeria.
“Professor Adelabu, as both a theorist and a practitioner in our education sector, brings insights borne out of experience and passion. I believe this book will serve as a critical resource for all who seek to improve our educational landscape,” Shettima stated.
Earlier, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, praised Professor Adelabu for her contributions to Nigerian educational development and society. “Prof. Adelabu’s life is a testament to the abiding faith of God in our lives. Her quest for excellence and service to humanity reflects her academic excellence and intellectualism,” he said.
The book reviewer, Professor Siyan Oyeweso from the Department of History and International Studies at Osun State University, Osogbo, commended Adelabu’s work, noting that the author had effectively highlighted the intricate relationship between politics, education, and finance.
Discussants of the book, including former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, stressed the need to distinguish between school attendance and quality education. Abdullahi called for a review of the Universal Basic Education Commission law and questioned the capacity of local governments to manage complex educational reforms.
Former First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, drew attention to the persistent challenges in girl child education, citing UNICEF statistics that indicate Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children globally, with 50-60% being girls. She advocated for gender-specific education policies and the removal of obstacles to girls’ education, such as insecurity and conflict.
Professor Adelabu, the author of the book, emphasized the need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of Nigeria’s education system to meet the country’s needs and prepare children for both domestic and global challenges. She also called for a focus on not just academic subjects but also values like democracy, justice, and good governance.
