The Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) has called on federal and state governments to declare a state of emergency in the education sector, citing the urgent need for reform at all levels of learning.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos ahead of the Convention’s 112th annual session—scheduled to hold from April 26 to May 1 at the Baptist International Convention Centre—NBC President, Dr. Israel Akanji, emphasized the deteriorating state of education in Nigeria.
Akanji noted that the country’s education system, from basic to tertiary levels, requires a total overhaul. He highlighted the growing number of out-of-school children and the failure of tertiary institutions to produce graduates equipped for both employment and entrepreneurship.
“We call on all tiers of government to declare a state of emergency in the education sector to drive urgent reforms and restore stability,” he said. “This is necessary to reduce the alarming rate of out-of-school children and to revamp tertiary education so that graduates are not only employable but also self-reliant.”
Dr. Akanji also addressed the increasing security threats facing schools across the country. He urged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen security measures and prevent the abduction of students, which he described as a major threat to the educational system.
“The Civil Defence Corps must step up efforts to protect our public schools and ensure the safety of our children,” he said.
In addition to educational concerns, the NBC President commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment and the rising trend of youth migration, popularly referred to as the ‘japa’ syndrome.
“We appreciate the President’s efforts toward curbing youth unemployment. However, there must be continuous and visible actions by the government to drastically address these challenges,” he added.
The press briefing also marked the beginning of celebrations for the 175th anniversary of Baptist missionary work in Nigeria—a significant milestone in the history of the denomination.
