The International Day of Education, celebrated annually on January 24, spotlights education as a tool for transformative learning and global peace, yet the knowledge barrier poses a big challenge in achieving these crucial goals.
Young Nigerian Educationist and Convener, “Societal Impact Scheme”, Adeyemo Blessing Adekunbi on Wednesday, posited that education suffers from low-quality teaching and learning due to a lack of proper teacher support, training, and guidelines.
According to Adekunbi who appeared live on News Central TV’s Breakfast Central on Wednesday, January 24, the knowledge barrier is impeding transformational learning for lasting peace in Nigeria, and the rest of Africa as a continent.
She said these lapses impact heavily on learners. In her words:
“Speaking right is not only the responsibility of children in school. It is also our responsibility as adults to make that difference. So, if the adults, the teachers are not well trained or informed on what to do, [it will become a challenge].
“The knowledge barrier of grown adults and [teachers] who are supposed to bring the young ones up, is a challenge [to learning for lasting peace]. The educational space is the first learning place for children,” she said.
Adekunbi also urged parents, teachers, and other education stakeholders to support children to learn and unlearn habits, adding that out-of-school children must not be left behind.
Speaking on prioritising education in Africa, the Educationist said the government should provide adequate budget to cater to the country’s educational needs.
She also called on well-meaning individuals and groups to render support the little ways they can, to help children who are not in school due to poverty, ignorance, insecurity, and other challenges.
The theme for this year’s International Day of Education is “Learning for lasting peace.”
The day aims to create awareness on the importance of co-existing peacefully. It also aims to strengthen commitment to end hate speech through transformational education.