Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has outlined Nigeria’s strategies for improving education at the 3rd Ordinary Session of the 6th Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament in Johannesburg, South Africa
Kalu highlighted measures such as increased funding for schools, scholarships, and the passage of the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, which has been assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He also mentioned the licensing of a university for online classes and initiatives like vocational training and adult literacy programs.
The Deputy Speaker emphasized the need for a dedicated fund to support national efforts and address funding disparities across the continent. He also called for the strengthening of the legislative arm of the African Union and the involvement of the legislative arm in the budget process.
Kalu stressed the importance of democratization and accountability, proposing clear targets for country representatives and peer review. He urged the parliament to adopt a pan-African approach to address the crisis in education globally.
The Deputy Speaker’s speech aligns with the African Union’s theme for 2024, “Year of Education: Educating an African fit for the 21st Century.” His proposals and call to action demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to improving education and achieving SDG4.
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