In response to the pressing issues confronting Nigeria’s education sector, stakeholders are urging a collaborative effort among government entities, businesses, and development institutions to revive and reform the beleaguered system. This clarion call was prominently voiced during the Festival of Change held in Lagos, organized by The Erioluwa Adeyinka Co-Creation Hub. The event, themed “REVIVE: Reimagining What the Government, Business, and Development Sector Need to Do to Revive Education,” gathered over 100 participants to engage in critical discussions about reform strategies. Attendees highlighted the urgency of addressing the education crisis acknowledged by the African Union, with the festival’s convener, Erioluwa Adeyinka, emphasizing the need for inclusive spaces to tackle these challenges head-on.
Adeyinka underscored the fundamental role of three pillars in national development: effective government policy, socio-economic stability, and quality education. He stressed that transforming Nigeria’s educational landscape begins with a shift in mindset, asserting, “To create a world of our deepest longing, we must address how we think.” He remained optimistic about the potential for meaningful change through collective dedication and collaboration among all stakeholders. Despite the identified flaws within the education system, he conveyed a strong belief that, together, they could elevate the quality of education in Nigeria and overcome the adversities currently plaguing the sector.
The festival encompassed a variety of engaging activities, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and innovative pitch contests aimed at tackling educational challenges. Prominent speakers, such as Oluwaseun Kayode, Victoria Oladipo, and Julius Ilori, actively shared their insights on strategies and inspirational solutions. Oladipo captured the essence of the discussions by declaring, “Education is not a cost, but an investment,” indicating that corporate involvement in education can yield a more skilled and capable workforce. This sentiment resonated throughout the festival, illustrating the interconnectedness between education and economic prosperity.
A standout feature of the event was the pitch session, where participants showcased innovative solutions aimed at resolving persistent educational obstacles. Ms. Oyindasola Adams emerged as the top contestant, with Ms. Obasola Temitope and Mr. Joshua John following closely in second and third place, respectively. Their contributions not only highlighted creative approaches to educational reform but also exemplified the potential impact of youth-driven initiatives on the future of Nigeria’s education system. Praise Mbanali echoed the sentiment of the need for collaboration, stating, “The path to revive education is clear, but the problem of education cannot be solved by one single stakeholder; it requires our collective efforts.”
Further reinforcing this vision, Oluwaseun Kayode asserted, “Education is a nation on its own,” emphasizing that not only access to education must be prioritized but quality education should also receive appropriate funding. The nuanced discussions at the festival underlined the shared responsibility of various sectors in crafting a holistic response to the education crisis. The gathering successfully united key thought leaders and changemakers, fostering an environment conducive to ongoing discourse on the necessary educational reforms. As stakeholders forge ahead, the collective commitment to revitalizing education in Nigeria stands as a beacon of hope amid these challenging times.
The Festival of Change thus serves as a crucial platform for initiating conversations around the necessary transformations within Nigeria’s education system. Stakeholders recognized that while significant challenges exist, particularly concerning quality and access, collaborative action can pave the way for impactful solutions. By harnessing the collective insight and innovative ideas presented during the festival, stakeholders are not only addressing immediate concerns but are also laying the groundwork for sustained educational reform. The hope is that initiatives like these will stimulate progress and ultimately lead to a robust, inclusive education system that meets the needs of all Nigerians, ensuring a brighter future for the nation as a whole.
