Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President of Nigeria encouraged stakeholders in the education to “develop and strengthen” coordination techniques that can help tighten the collaboration with information in the sector of the country.
The vice president made this call on Thursday at the launch of the ‘Reports of the Independent Country-Led Evaluation of SDGs-3 and 4 in Nigeria’, by him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“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,” Osinbajo said.
Osinbajo admitted that increasing basic educational financing up to 12 per cent at all levels was crucial, however, said the timing of the use of appropriated funds is also important.
“State governments should take advantage of the UBEC matching grants by making the required contributions.
Also, at the event, the United Nations (UN) urged the country to raise its education budget from seven per cent to 20.
It believes the country may not achieve the global agenda for universal inclusive and equitable basic education for all school-age children by 2030 if the status quo remains.
UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, noted that in the 2022 budget, there was an increase to seven per cent in education, but the evaluation says it will need to increase to 20 per cent.
“Country-led evaluations are a critical tool to provide data regarding what is and isn’t 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.
Deputy UN Secretary-General, Amina Muhammed, noted that by the reports, Nigeria recognises that health and education are cornerstones for sustainable and equitable development.
She said the report is also very timely as the recommendations on education aligned with the focus areas of the transforming education summit, including inclusive and equitable education, especially for girls.
“I encourage you all to swiftly turn these recommendations into actionable levels so that we can accelerate our implementation of the 2030 agenda,” she said.