Abuja, Nigeria: The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has called on all tiers of government to take immediate and practical steps to restructure Nigeria’s education sector, warning that failure to do so risks leaving millions of students behind in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), driven by the goal of a more transparent and accountable government, believes that this restructuring will empower students to excel.
Mrs Lucy Abagi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, made the call in Abuja when she received a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The student’s delegation presented Abagi with an honorary award of excellence for her contributions in aiding good governance.
Abagi specifically called on the government at all levels to create the platforms for Nigerian students to explore in line with global demands.
“Nigerian youths are talented and innovative. They are not lazy. The governments must wake up to their responsibilities and take practical steps to support them in achieving their dreams.
“It must not be in paper alone; prompt and practical steps must be taken to address this,” she said.
Abagi decried the poverty level in the country, contending that many homes cannot afford a daily square meal.
“Many Nigerian students are equally struggling to pay their school fees and survive in schools,” she said.
On the awards, Abagi noted that the recognition was an explicit declaration by the students’ union that transparency is not optional.
“Your voices, courage, strength and persistence remind us that the struggle for accountability is not for the future, it is for today.
“By choosing to place transparency and good governance at the centre of your aspirations, you are affirming that sustainable development, justice and prosperity cannot exist without openness and accountability.
“This award, therefore, is not just a title, but a clarion call to action,” she said.
Presenting the award earlier, the Chairperson, National Association of University Students (NAUS), FCT Chapter, Comrade Salamatu Dawood, said it was in recognition of Abagi’s advocacy for justice, transparency and accountability.
Also speaking, Comrade Sadiq Zango, the National Director of Research and Innovation, NANS Secretariat, said the award was a recognition of the PPDC’s contributions to good governance and accountability.
