Nigeria may not attain SDG 4 on quality education, UN warns
The United Nations (UN) has warned that Nigeria is unlikely to achieve the global agenda for universal inclusive and equitable basic education for all school-age children by 2030 if the current low public investment in the sector remains the same.
UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, gave the warning at the official launch of the ‘Reports of the Independent Country-Led Evaluation of SDGs-3 and 4 in Nigeria’, by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
The reports were technically and financially supported by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning; the Federal Ministries of Health and Education, with the support of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) in Nigeria.
Schmale said in the 2022 budget, there was an increase to seven per cent on education, but the evaluation said it would need to increase to 20 per cent with clear accountabilities on delivery.
He said: “Country-led evaluations are a critical tool to provide data regarding what is and is not working, why, and for whom, and where to best target our limited resources.
“Good data makes for good policy. Without it, we are flying blind. While the findings of these evaluations show some improving health and education outcomes in Nigeria, the reports also contain some worrying analysis.
“In relation to SDG-4 on quality education, it is, for example, concerning to note that Nigeria is unlikely to achieve the global agenda for universal inclusive and equitable basic education for all school-age children by 2030 if the current very low public investment in the education sector remains the same.
“The evaluation indicates the right policies (especially around free basic education and gender) are in place, but an increase in quality and access to education is critical.
“In the 2022 budget, there was an increase to seven per cent on education, but the evaluation says it will need to increase to 20 per cent with clear accountabilities on delivery.
“Similarly, government resources for health financing are inadequate for the achievement of SDG-3 targets related to good health and well-being.
“It is good to see the recommendation of revitalising the primary health care has already started and its effectiveness will be enhanced with a clear plan and accountability on human resources and financing at state level.
“Business as usual is not sufficient. In support of government, we are keen to identify truly transformative initiatives that will catalyse tangible change in the lives and livelihoods of the Nigerian people. This new data will help determine which health and education programmes are really moving the needle. We can then look to expand, renew, and replicate them.
“We must collectively push forward with education and health sector specific transformative initiatives such as prioritising and revitalising basic primary health care and improving the quality of teachers and learning in and out of classrooms,” he said.
In his keynote address, Osinbajo said it was critical to build the commitment and incentives required to prioritise and increase basic educational financing up to 12 per cent at all levels.
He said: “The timing of the use of appropriated funds is also important. State government should take advantage of the UBEC matching grants by making the required contributions.
“Educational stakeholders are encouraged to develop and strengthen coordination mechanisms that can help tighten the collaboration with information sharing between federal and the state on the one hand, and non-state actors on the other hand.”
SOURCE: SUNNEWS
