As the curtains drew on the inaugural NgEducators and IHRC Model United Nations Conference in Enugu, distinguished delegates and ambassadors from the International Human Rights Commission, in special consultative status with the UN, issued a resounding call to governments worldwide, urging them to take the helm in education and shape its future.
To address the glaring disparities in education, the officials urged for a concerted effort to harness modern technologies, establishing robust remote education infrastructure and training initiatives that cater to the unique needs of rural populations, ultimately ensuring equal access to quality education for all.
They declared that “education and training should contribute to sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth by developing requisite skills, in line with labour market requirements and development needs of countries.”
Their position was contained in the “Enugu Declaration 2024” rendered by NgIMUN President and Director-General Global, International Human Rights Commission, Relief Fund Trust, Dr. Tivlumun Ahure, at the end of the conference themed, “The development of Education in Developing Countries”
“We emphasise the need to promote and improve the relevance of teaching and learning, including: aligning education policies, curricula, training, and teaching and learning approaches with the priorities identified in national development strategies.
“Ensuring that educational curricula, methodologies, and training yield high-levels of literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
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“Enhancing teachers’ training and their continued professional development to improve their pedagogical capacity to conduct student-centres lessons as well as promote creative and critical thinking.
“Encouraging support for the development of the potential and talents of children and young people, the provision of and mainstreaming of skills development and training in technical, technological, and vocational schools, taking into account national and local needs and in cooperation with relevant economic actors,” the Enugu Declaration read.
The officials stressed the vital importance of early childhood care and education, recognizing its transformative power in shaping future academic success and its significant role in addressing disparities in economic opportunity, social mobility, gender equality, and learning outcomes.
The Dr. Peter Mbah Administration’s trailblazing Smart Schools program in Enugu State earned high praise from delegates and committee chairs at NgIMUN 2024, who also applauded the administration’s commitment to education, as reflected in the allocation of 33% of the state’s 2024 budget.
The Smart Green School comprises interactive digital whiteboard, internet system, robotics and artificial intelligence laboratories, modern ICT centre, two science laboratories for primary and junior secondary classes, hybrid multimedia library, creative production studio, and 25 inclusive classrooms, among others.
Speaking when the Commissioner for Education, Enugu State, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, took them on a tour of Enugu Smart Green School, Owo, one of the 260 being constructed by the administration, leader of the Delegation, Dr. Ahure said, “From reading about it, I saw a marvelous concept, but coming to see it, I see a true educational revolution, first of its kind in Africa.
“It is actually my job to ensure that this kind of thing is replicated somewhere else and in all the places in Africa. I take the trumpet away from Enugu here and blow it elsewhere in Nigeria first, where we will start to talk to Abuja from our experiences here.
“Everyone should be proud of what is happening in Enugu State. There is a man here, who is doing more than UNESCO prescription for the use of budget in the education sector. Isn’t that out of this world?”, he stated.
According to Valentine Meri, Congo Brazzaville’s Country Director, “Nigeria’s educational advancements are a beacon of hope for our continent. We’re eager to learn from its experiences and adapt its best practices to enhance education in our own nations.”
Dr. Leo Ebenezer, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum’s Education lead, applauded Enugu State’s transformative efforts in education, recognizing its funding and quality initiatives as a shining example of innovation and commitment to excellence in the sector.
The Governors’ Forum suggests that states should dedicate 15-20% of their budget to education, a goal Enugu has already exceeded, Dr. Leo Ebenezer noted. He commended Enugu’s innovative Smart Schools initiative as a beacon of excellence for other states to follow, highlighting the need for quality education.