Don urges FG to show more commitment in implementing SDGs

By Agency Report

Prof Grace Offorma, former Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has urged Federal Government to show more commitment in implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially goal number four.

Offorma a member of United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN) said this in Nsukka on Wednesday while presenting a lead paper during the 3rd Annual, Hybrid international multi-disciplinary conference of UNN.

With the theme"Exploring Sustainability of Post-2015 Development Agenda : Is the Glass half full or half empty."

She explained that, the 17 SDGs success was anchored on number four goal Quality Education, which she said the country had failed as a result of poor funding and attention to matters concerning education.

"Nigeria may fail to achieve SDGs in 2030 because, government has not shown sufficient interest in the programmes that would facilitate the attainment of the goals, especially, the Goal 4.

"For any country to achieve SDGs there must be quality, inclusive and equitable education and life-long learning opportunities for all.

"Government should change its negative attitude to education, as no nation can attain the SDGs  in 2030 without adequate focus on education which helps other goals of SDG to be achieved.

"UN in 2015 set 17 SDGs as universal action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

"But unfortunately some countries including Nigeria have not shown the required interest and  commitment in education that will help to achieve SDGs in 2030, "she said.

The Professor of Education who is a Senior Lecturer in UNN said that, in order to move education forward,  school curricula at all levels in the country should be reviewed to reflect the tenets of sustainability and 21st century education.

"Curricula in primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions as well as all schools should be reviewed to meet the requirements of 21st century education globally.

"There is need to retrain the in-service teachers to expose them to the right pedagogical skills needed in the effective implementation of the goals.

"Education resources, equipment and facilities should be provided by the government to facilitate implementation of the school programmes.

" Teachers should be handsomely remunerated as a source of motivation to enable them to put in their best in education sector," she said.

The educationist urged the country to join developed countries of the world to practise mainstreaming education instead of segregated education.

"Mainstreaming education will help the country to attain inclusive education, where everybody is valued, respected and given opportunity to attain his/her potentials," she said.

Offorma who is also a former Governorning Council Member of UNN, expressed appreciation to the institution,  for finding her worthy to present the lead paper in UNN's hybrid third annual conference.

She urged the university management to continue do its best in education despite government poor funding.

In a remark while declaring the conference open, Prof. Charles Igwe, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, represented by Prof. Johnson Urama, Deputy Vice-chancellor Academics.

Igwe said that, the conference would explore the different SDGs from the sustainability point of view to determine whether or not appreciable progress had been made.

"I am optimistic this conference will contribute immeasurably to sustainable solutions to world challenges in an era of globalisation.

"I urge all participants to take advantage of the opportunities presented by this conference to contribute innovative ideas to ensure sustainability of development in Nigeria and beyond," he said.

Earlier in a remark, Prof Chidi Nzeadibe, Chairman, UNN Conference Planning Committee said that, the event was the third in the series of annual conference of the UNN aimed at addressing issues of global concerns.

"The conference committee recognises the special significance of SDGs to global development.

"With the post-2015 development agenda now firmly in its second half of implemention, is there reason for optimism, or are all the efforts geared towards 2030 not achieving their objectives.

"The primary aim of this conference is to disseminate the results of research, innovations and developments in around the SDGs at national and global levels.

"In order to make actionable recommendations and to inform development policy at the different spatial scales," he said.

Nzeadibe, commended the UNN VC for approving the conference and firm confidence reposed in the planning committee.

He also commended  Prof. Offorma, the Lead Paper presenter for accepting to share her knowledge and wealth of experience not only as a professor but also as a educationist.
NAN