What Are Our Chances Of Achieving the SDG No. 4? Say Yes to Education!

JOSHUA NICHOLAS

 

In September 2015, at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit, Member States formally adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in New York. The agenda contains 17 goals including a new global education goal (SDG 4). SDG 4 is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’ and has seven targets and three means of implementation.

Despite the poor academic performance and the low level of education in Nigeria, what are our chances of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially the Goal No. 4 which has to do with education?

In a developing economy like ours, where education is not considered as part of the trivial issues to address, what is the fate of the Nigerian child? Where do he or she stands in the coming years? Are the children still the leaders of tomorrow?

With a consistent underperforming budget for the educational sector over the years, with about 6-10% allocation of the National budget, we doubt the relevance of the mainstream education to the Nigerian Government. Ranging from widespread illiteracy in the Northeast, to extreme poverty in the land; and increasing index of Out-of-school children in the country, the educational sector needs revamping, private sector interference and genuine intervention.

It is on this premise, that Young Mind Advancement Program, YAP, has been saddled with the responsibility to rescue the country’s education from getting into a debris.

YAP has been in operation for over a decade now, with mind blowing results and extraordinary inputs into the Nations education.

Over the years, YAP has been involved directly and indirectly in creating programmes, executing projects and implementing schemes that will bring smiles to the face of that neglected Nigerian child.

She has been able to help so many students get their basic and SSCE certificate (WAEC) and has helped some others secure admission and scholarship through university. She continually provides scholarship to 5 – 20 students, depending on their numbers, pay for their WAEC fees, etc.

YAP has been hosting seminars for secondary school students, provide then with lectures on career choices, leadership skills, entrepreneurial trainings, etc; after which books, bags, flasks etc are given to all the participating students and their teachers as well.

Young Mind Advancement Program is founded by Hon. Princess Bibiana Nwankwo (Ada APGA), whose passion for improving the quality and standard of education in Nigeria is second to none.

“Our major aim is to educate the young wards which if not put in the right direction will grow to become a burden to the society.

It’s my own quota in the development of my country to help breed a crime free country, free from school dropouts, prostitution, robbery, etc. We are currently working on expanding the program to the 36 states of the country. It gives me joy to impact on people positively” she added.

YAP also advocates against abuses, gender inequality, poverty for women and illiteracy. To an end note, we need more problem solvers in our society today, just like Hon. Princess Nwankwo; you too can bring smiles on people’s faces. One of the challenges we have today in our society is that we have a lot of problems without solutions, a lot problem identifiers and solution seekers.

You can build Nigeria! It only takes a committed heart and a willing soul.

The future of Nigeria is in our hands. Let’s make our future generation proud. SDG No 4 is achievable with me and you working together; let’s not leave all for the Government.

#sayyestoeducation

#everychildismychild

God bless Nigeria!