INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X

Why International day of Education?

The international day of education is celebrated today globally. It is a day to celebrate the importance of education. And also to acknowledge the efforts of educators around the world in providing quality education to all. It is also a day to recognise the power of education to transform lives and create a better future. We should thank all educators and recognise the great work they do to ensure that education is accessible to all.

Education not only provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the economy. It also teaches them the values and ethics essential for responsible citizenship. It help create a culture of innovation, and encourages citizens to take up roles as active members of community. Education also encourages citizens to think critically, develop problem-solving skills, and assume ownership of their own success. Ultimately, education is the foundation for all meaningful progress and positive change. Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL wrote: “Education is and will be the most powerful tool for individual and social change, and we must do all that it takes to facilitate it.” And to emphasise this point is why the international day of education is celebrated globally.

UN and International Day of Education

The United Nations’ Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to education. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, creating more opportunities, and improving the overall quality of life. It also helps to create a more informed,, and inclusive society that can better address global issues such as inequality. Around 90 percent of the world’s population had completed a primary education, whereas only 66 percent had attained secondary education.

This is due to a combination of factors such as violence, child, early, and forced marriages, lack of schools, inadequate infrastructure, unsafe environments, limitations in teacher training, and systemic gender biases. All of these factors have contributed to the instability of education in the country. Gender plays a major role in the educational system in Nigeria, as girls are often excluded from accessing quality education due to a variety of cultural and economic factors. It is clear that gender disparities in education are a major challenge in Nigeria. This issue needs to be addressed in order to promote equal access to education for all.

Education and people

This year’s theme for the international day of education is ‘to invest in people, prioritise education’. In order to ensure that all children in Nigeria, regardless of gender, have access to an education, there needs to be a concerted effort to invest in educational infrastructure and resources. This includes investing in teacher training, providing quality textbooks and materials, and strengthening educational policies. Such efforts will ensure that all children, regardless of gender, can access a quality education and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. This will lead to a more equitable education system in the country, where all children, regardless of gender, can access the same resources and opportunities. This will lead to a more equitable and just society, where all children can grow up with the same chances of success.

Education and society

One cannot undermine the role of education in a society. Children would realise their potential and develop skills that will be beneficial for the nation in the long run . This will also reduce income inequality and create a more level playing field for all citizens.

A robust society fosters strong families that uphold solid familial values, which lowers social evils and crime. 

For example, countries such as Japan and South Korea have a strong middle class, low crime rates, and a high level of educational attainment. This has contributed to their success. In particular, Japan’s high educational attainment levels have enabled it to develop cutting-edge technologies that have been critical in driving its economic growth. 

Conclusively,

It is similar to a student investing the time and effort to obtain a high-quality education. Because of the long-term payoffs in terms of higher wages and a better quality of life. Investing in people by prioritising education is a key way to ensure long-term success. Education helps to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the modern economy. Investing in education is an investment in the future. This is because it yields dividends in form of higher wages, increased job opportunities, and a better quality of education. Education also provide an understanding of the world, which can lead to greater empathy and better appreciation of different ideas. Investing in education can help society progress and become more productive, leading to greater economic success.

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 24 January as the International Day of Education. This is in recognition of the vital role that education plays in peace and development. 

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