Dr. Akin-Olusoji Akinyele M.CIoD, M.IoD(UK), FIMC’s Post

Happy International Women’s Day Educating the woman or girl child in Nigeria should no longer be a debate, considering the following significance: 1. It offers her the opportunity to chart her destiny with the skills and information she acquired from basic education up to tertiary education. The girl-child is provided with diverse basic knowledge, skills, and training which contribute to national development. 2. An educated girl child can only grow through a literate woman who has a greater chance of breaking the cycle of social vices by passing good knowledge to her daughter. No society can develop without the help of the girl-child so do we deny girls a right to education? Thus giving a girl child education can help to reduce the menace bedevilling this great country because they can adequately instilling good knowledge in their children if they get married. 3. Education offers girls the necessary skills and information needed to excel in a chosen career in future Hence, a girl who is educated can grow to become a teacher, architect, doctor, computer scientist, lawyer and pharmacist, among other lucrative and noble professions. And by giving girls a right to education we can be able to right the wrongs in our society. 4. Education is not just limited to a western or religious education but a life orientation. This is a fact and we have to consider it considerably. I am confident that if we want our future to be full of joy, it is vital for us to educate every girl in our society. I have known for a long time that girls’ education is a way to nation building. Perhaps, this is a time to give our girls a chance to explore their potential through quality education. Happy international women’s Day.

Beyond what One Bite can Handle The challenges driving educational inequality in Nigeria are complex, and it’s clear that no single approach can address them all. Teach For Nigeria is a movement fueled by the vision that, one day, every Nigerian child will have equal access to quality education. In a conversation with our former CEO Folawe Omikunle, she reflected on Teach For Nigeria’s journey, noting how each community presents unique challenges. An approach that works in one community may be ineffective in another. She emphasized that achieving educational equality requires each of us to play our part. This truth became even more apparent to me during a survey at a secondary school in Ode Lemo, where I sought to understand the declining interest in education. I asked the students, “If all you needed to stay in school were provided for you throughout your educational journey, how far would you want to go?” After discussing among themselves, the boys concluded that completing secondary school would be the peak of their educational ambition. This response left me and the teachers with a question: How do we define this problem, and what steps do we take to tackle it? Our answer is the BE THE CHANGE Project (Star Spring Initiatives)—an initiative dedicated to fostering a change mindset among students and cultivating a future where education is valued by every young Nigerian. The journey of change has begun. We invite you to join us as we embark on this transformative project. #TeachforNigeria. #Impactstories. Okodi Peremoboere Teach For All

Hi LinkedIn fam! Today I want to talk about Expanding early childhood education (ECE) in Nigeria. Early childhood education (ECE) is a crucial foundation for lifelong learning and development. In Nigeria, expanding ECE holds promise for transforming not only individual futures but the nation's socio-economic landscape. Despite the National Policy on Education aiming for universal access, less than 30% of Nigerian children aged 3-5 are enrolled in ECE, with even lower rates in the northern regions. This disparity highlights challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, underqualified teachers, cultural attitudes undervaluing early education, and economic barriers. Investing in ECE leads to significant benefits, including improved cognitive and social development, economic growth, and gender equality. Effective strategies for expansion include increased government commitment, public-private partnerships, community engagement, comprehensive teacher training, and integrated services combining education with health and nutrition. Addressing these challenges and implementing these strategies can establish a strong foundation for Nigeria's sustainable development, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to society. Investing in ECE is not merely a policy choice but a moral imperative, it's about people- the children, parents, teachers, and communities who stand to benefit from this transformative investment. "Early childhood education is the key to the betterment of society. By investing in our youngest citizens, we pave the way for a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future." — Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General. #ECEeducation #Awarenessforall #education #government #youngminds #earlyeducation #brigherfuture

A Call to Action: Revolutionizing Education in Ghana🇬🇭🇬🇭 As I reflect on my journey from Ghana to Canada, I am reminded of the vast disparities in our education systems. My first week in a Canadian classroom was an eye-opener, as I struggled to keep up with the basics that my peers took for granted. The realization that our education system in Ghana is lagging behind was both shocking and disheartening. We need a comprehensive reform of our education system, one that addresses the fundamental issues that hinder our progress. Our lecturers and teachers require the necessary tools, training, and incentives to deliver high-quality education. It is imperative that we provide them with opportunities for professional development, both locally and internationally, to expose them to modern teaching methods and technologies. The current state of our education system is characterized by outdated textbooks, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of emphasis on practical skills. Our students are still submitting handwritten assignments, while their counterparts in other countries are leveraging technology to enhance their learning experience. The disparity is stark, and it is our collective responsibility to bridge this gap. Furthermore, the remuneration of our teachers and lecturers is woefully inadequate, leading to a lack of motivation and a high turnover rate. It is essential that we prioritize their welfare and provide them with a conducive environment to teach and inspire our students. The consequences of a subpar education system are far-reaching and devastating. A country with high illiteracy rates and a poorly educated population will struggle to compete in the global economy. It is our duty to ensure that our education system is equipped to produce knowledgeable, skilled, and innovative individuals who can drive growth and development. I urge policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to join forces and address the systemic issues that plague our education system. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to create a world-class education system that prepares our students for success in the 21st century. #EducationReform #GhanaEducation #AfricaEducation #EducationMatters #InnovationInEducation #TeachingAndLearning #EdTech #FutureOfWork #SkillsForTheFuture #GhanaToTheWorld #AfricaRising #EducationForAll #QualityEducation #TransformingEducation #bettergh #2024elections

Education is a fundamental right for every child, yet millions of girls around the world still face significant barriers to accessing quality education. Women Impacting Nigeria (WIN) is committed to changing this narrative and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Girls often face cultural norms that prioritise boys' education, leading to early marriages and limited opportunities. Economic constraints force families to choose between educating their sons or daughters, with girls often left behind. Addressing these issues requires raising community awareness, providing financial support through scholarships, improving school infrastructure, and advocating for policy changes that protect and promote girls' education. At WIN, we are actively involved in initiatives to overcome these barriers. Our educational workshops and campaigns raise awareness about the importance of girls' education. We offer scholarships and mentorship programs to provide financial assistance and support. By partnering with local and international organisations, we amplify our impact, reaching more communities. Our policy advocacy efforts engage with policymakers to implement laws prioritising girls' education. Together, we can build a future where every girl has the opportunity to receive a quality education and reach her full potential. Join us in our mission to empower girls and transform lives through education. Partner with us via https://lnkd.in/dDQ-Ks5u #WomenImpactingNigeria #WIN #NGO #EducateHerFuture #SupportGirlsEducation #EndChildMarriage #InvestInGirls #EmpowerHer

Earlier this week, I watched a video that broke my heart. Daniela, a young girl diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects movement and posture, is seen struggling to type on a laptop during her final high school exams. Despite her perseverance and the school’s efforts to accommodate her needs, the challenges she faces are immense. Her laptop even shut down mid-exam, forcing her to start over, and she finished late into the evening, as her father mentioned in the longer version of this video. As someone who has lived with an invisible disability myself, I know all too well what it means to face barriers in accessing knowledge. Especially as a girl from Northern Ghana, who grew up in Kasoa, education should never be a burden, yet too many of us have to fight twice as hard to access it. As an educator, my guiding principles are “inclusivity” and “equity”. Every child, regardless of ability, deserves a learning environment that supports their unique needs and helps them thrive. Today, more than ever, I’m using my voice to advocate for better support systems in education, not just for Daniela, but for every child who is left behind. Let’s create schools that cater to ALL students. It’s time we rethink how we assess abilities and give everyone a fair chance. "For young people across Africa, education must be more than just textbooks and exams.” To my network: Let’s come together to support inclusive education. Let’s raise awareness and push for change because every child deserves an opportunity to succeed. Video credit: Portia Gabor #InclusiveEducation #EquityInLearning #Accessibility #EducationForAll #GhanaEducation #SupportSpecialNeeds #EducatorsForChange #Africa

As today is Day of the African Child, with the theme ‘Education for all children in Africa - the time is now’ - we thought we’d share a bit more about our project in Mozambique, She Belongs in School with our project coordinator Safilina Chacate. In Mozambique, just over 40% of girls finish lower secondary school. Adult literacy rates are lower for women than men. We’re working to change this, through our She Belongs in School programme, funded by Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada through Save the Children International. The five year programme aims to enhance the learning outcomes of girls aged between 10-19. Overall, this will be achieved through working with over 99,000 people, from girls and children, their families and communities, school administrators, teachers and education authorities to tackle the underlying causes that contribute to girls’ low rates of education access and achievement. She Belongs in School is working with girls both in and out of the school system, with particular attention on girls facing intersectional discrimination including girls with a disability and those living in remote areas. As an implementing partner, our activities cover 20 communities in Mecanhelas district, Niassa province. She Belongs in School is working to achieve:  ✅ An increase in the promotion of and support for women and girls’ rights - especially the right to education. ✅ Greater self-belief, decision-making power and leadership exercised by adolescent girls to pursue education.  ✅ Safer, more supportive learning environments that build the skills and competencies of girls, and are responsive to their specific needs.

Education is the great equalizer, but the numbers paint a troubling picture: over 10 million Nigerian children are not in school. For a country with such enormous potential, that’s a staggering figure. Many of these children come from poor or marginalized backgrounds, meaning they lack the basic resources, like school fees, uniforms, or textbook to even attend a classroom. The divide between the rich and poor in education is widening every day, and with it, so is the gap in opportunities. Studies show that children from affluent families are three times more likely to complete their education compared to their less privileged peers. This disparity isn’t just unfair—it’s unsustainable. At Helping Hearts & Childrens Aide Initiative we believe that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, deserves the right to learn. We’re working to bridge the gap by advocating for inclusive education policies and creating programs that ensure children from underserved communities get the support they need to stay in school. Let’s make education accessible for every child in Nigeria. Like follow and Repost this to show your support for equal education opportunities! #EducationForAll #EqualAccess #HHCAI #InclusiveEducation

As today is Day of the African Child, with the theme ‘Education for all children in Africa - the time is now’ - we thought we’d share a bit more about our project in Mozambique, She Belongs in School with our project coordinator Safilina Chacate. In Mozambique, just over 40% of girls finish lower secondary school. Adult literacy rates are lower for women than men. We’re working to change this, through our She Belongs in School programme, funded by Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada through Save the Children International. The five year programme aims to enhance the learning outcomes of girls aged between 10-19. Overall, this will be achieved through working with over 99,000 people, from girls and children, their families and communities, school administrators, teachers and education authorities to tackle the underlying causes that contribute to girls’ low rates of education access and achievement. She Belongs in School is working with girls both in and out of the school system, with particular attention on girls facing intersectional discrimination including girls with a disability and those living in remote areas. As an implementing partner, our activities cover 20 communities in Mecanhelas district, Niassa province. She Belongs in School is working to achieve:  ✅ An increase in the promotion of and support for women and girls’ rights - especially the right to education. ✅ Greater self-belief, decision-making power and leadership exercised by adolescent girls to pursue education.  ✅ Safer, more supportive learning environments that build the skills and competencies of girls, and are responsive to their specific needs.

Does This Sound Familiar? "𝘕𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘨𝘰 𝘨𝘰 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭." We’ve all heard this statement at one point or another. But did you know that, as of 2023, an estimated 8.9 million primary school-age children, 3.9 million junior secondary school-age children, and 4.9 million senior secondary school-age children are out of school in Nigeria, according to a UNICEF fact sheet? These numbers are alarming! They represent a significant portion of our future generation being left behind. The question is: what does this mean for Nigeria's future? Education is the transmission of knowledge, skills, and values at its core. It can happen in formal settings (like classrooms) or through non-formal means (outside the school). Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) calls for inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to lifelong learning opportunities. So, why the emphasis on education? What are the real benefits? Education isn't just about individual growth—it's directly linked to economic development. The more educated a country's citizens are, the more opportunities there are for job creation, innovation, and economic growth. Imagine the impact of equipping millions of children with the skills to contribute to society. For individuals, education brings countless benefits: financial security, self-dependency, confidence, creativity, protection, productivity, etcetera. Now, take a moment to look around your community. Do you see children hawking or loitering during school hours? You can make a difference. Be an ambassador for change. Encourage their families and guardians to prioritize education for their children. Education is not just a right—it's a powerful tool to shape a brighter future for us all. #EducationForAll #SDG4 #QualityEducation #NigeriaEducation #LifelongLearning #FutureOfNigeria #InclusiveEducation #SupportEducation #EndChildLabor