Sign the Petition: Increase Investment in Basic Education

We are all witnesses to the deteriorating state of education in Nigeria and the consequences still unfolding, some of which include but are not limited to; incessant strikes by basic education teachers- very recently, the strike by state government teachers within the Federal Capital Territory due to poor welfare. All of these have led to disruptions in learning and poor school enrolment.

Education plays a crucial role in economic development, poverty reduction and child labour as well as promoting economic growth, improved public health, environmental sustainability and reduced conflict.

Despite the mandatory requirement for quality, free, compulsory basic education provided in the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act (2004), there has been no significant reduction in the number of out of school children. Some of the issues that limit children's enrollment in school include hidden fees, poor infrastructures, insecurity, unqualified teachers, long distances to school among others.

The state of education in Nigeria is in dire need of increased financial investment in primary and secondary education.

YouthHubAfrica in collaboration with Development and Integrity Intervention Goal (DIG) Foundation, Kayode Alabi Leadership and Career Initiative, Women's Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative and Bridge Connect Africa Initiative is advocating for a more accountable and improved education financing in Kwara, Kebbi, Ebonyi, Kano, FCT and Nigeria as a whole.

We urge all well-meaning citizens to sign the petition, demanding for:

• Commitment and increased funding for basic education from 2% CRF to 3% CRF in Nigeria and likewise prioritize teachers' welfare.
• Immediate action by state governors towards ensuring timely release of state counterpart funds so as to secure the needed funding for basic education within their respective states.

Signing the petition is a major step toward safeguarding the future of every Nigerian child.