Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has urged for the establishment of a special fund to enhance education across Africa. Addressing delegates at the 3rd Ordinary Session of the 6th Pan-African Parliament in Johannesburg, South Africa, Kalu highlighted the session’s focus on strengthening education systems.
He emphasised the importance of inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa, aligning with the African Union’s designation of 2024 as the Year of Education.
The Deputy Speaker said the Nigerian government has approved strategies to boost education in the country, including increased funding for schools and scholarships, and the passage of the student loan scheme bill, which has since been consented to, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also added that persons with physical disabilities must have access to education, such that the continent’s educational systems must be all-inclusive.
“Furthermore, it is crucial that we insist on utilising an African model of learning to pass knowledge. Our knowledge acquisition model should be tailored to suit the African dynamics, ensuring that our educational methods are relevant and effective in our unique continent.
“With all these in mind, we must advocate for a specific target percentage of national educational budgets. This will be a landmark goal for all African countries, engineering a continent-wide commitment. In addition, by sharing best practices in teacher training, curriculum development, and technology utilisation, we can leverage the collective wisdom of Africa for the benefit of all.
“I propose the creation of a dedicated fund to support national efforts and address funding disparities across the continent. This will ensure no child is left behind on the path to a brighter future. Also, establishing clear targets for country representatives at the Parliament is imperative to track progress and foster accountability.
“This sets the stage for peer review and informative country-by-country presentations at future PAP sessions. Let me emphasise that if the AU as a democratic institution wants to be seen as one, it is essential, and the time is now, for the legislative arm of the AU to be strengthened beyond where it is.
“An error of having a budget by the executive arm of AU that the legislative arm will oversee without the input of the appropriation right of this arm of the government of AU should be gone. A new transparent era, a new era that is credible, a new era that has integrity should now come into place,” he said.