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Bëtá Nigeria Convenes Roundtable, Calls for Urgent Investment in Education to Secure Nigeria's Future

 


Bëtá Nigeria Campaign (BN), a growing movement campaigning for improved education outcomes, just concluded a successful series of roundtables across Nigeria this month. These discussions united key stakeholders from civil society and media organisations in a collaborative effort to amplify the demand for education reform – a critical investment in Nigeria's future stability and prosperity.

The roundtables culminated Bëtá Nigeria's first efforts, launched in January 2024. This phase proved there is public interest in the initiative and its potential to revitalise the Nigerian education system.

"Our dynamic, youthful population is full of potential," emphasised the group’s declaration developed during the roundtables, "but the crisis in our education system means millions face a bleak future. When all of Nigeria’s children are going to school, staying in school and learning more, we will build a more resilient, more secure, more prosperous country."

The declaration further emphasised that achieving this transformation requires more and better investment in education, empowering future generations to become productive citizens. This sentiment was stressed by Bëtá Nigeria Campaign members, stating, "It's a shared responsibility – politicians, educators, parents, and everyone who support them."

As highlighted by Abdulsalam Badamasi, Bëtá Nigeria’s Federal Lead, at the Kaduna roundtable, "this collaborative declaration has enabled Bëtá Nigeria to secure a unified commitment from diverse and multiple stakeholders across Nigeria, increasing the demand for better education and fostering government accountability." Badamasi emphasised that Bëtá Nigeria is a strong partnership forged by Nigerians, for Nigerians, and plays a critical role in amplifying the voices of civil society and media in achieving more and better investment in education.

Emmanuel Bonnet, Executive Director of AID Foundation, highlighted the timely significance of the Beta Nigeria Campaign. He remarked, "The Beta Nigeria Campaign couldn't have come at a better time to provide a platform for stakeholders to prioritize their efforts in campaigning for a single issue around the education sector in Kaduna State."

Dr. Micah Shabi, Executive Director of Improvement in Respect of Social Status of the Disabled in Kaduna, emphasized the timeliness of Beta Nigeria's arrival in the country, stating, "Beta Nigeria arrives in Nigeria at the opportune moment, perfectly reflecting its name. It's the right time for inclusive education for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), as their challenges in education encompass various aspects—social, political, and beyond. As we recognize, education stands as the ultimate solution for PWDs. We are delighted to join forces with Beta Nigeria.”

The roundtable brought together a diverse range of organizations working in education, including the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), The Aid Foundation, CSO Accountability platforms, and the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning Empowerment (AGILE). Participants engaged in discussions on critical issues affecting education in the region.

By fostering media engagement and public awareness, Bëtá Nigeria aims to corral, align and support a broader network of organisations beyond traditional CSOs to increase demand for education reform. The movement will continue to call for action that enhances educational prospects in Nigeria, aspiring to ensure that every Nigerian child goes to school, stays in school and receives a good quality education. Beta Nigeria receives funding support from the UK government.

Signed:

Abdulsalam Badamasi

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