In a recent address, Professor Azubike Chinwuba Onuora-Oguno of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) proposed a significant change to Nigeria’s educational policy. During the 264th inaugural lecture at the university, titled “Order in the Order of Economic and Social Rights Jurisprudence in Nigeria,” Prof. Onuora-Oguno recommended amending the Nigerian Constitution to make education compulsory for all citizens.
Prof. Onuora-Oguno emphasized the need for stronger institutions to fully realize the right to education in Nigeria. He argued that a collaborative effort among various stakeholders is crucial for ensuring that every Nigerian can access education according to their abilities. This collaboration includes key organizations such as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Teachers Institute (NTI), the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
He stressed that enhancing the capacity of these institutions and other actors in education rights advocacy would be pivotal in transforming the educational landscape. Additionally, Prof. Onuora-Oguno called for increased judicial involvement in addressing economic and social rights issues, urging lawyers and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to actively engage in challenging poor educational practices in their communities.
Prof. Onuora-Oguno proposed that education should be included in Chapter Four of the Nigerian Constitution, reflecting a “classical theory perspective” on education rights. He encouraged the National Assembly to undertake this constitutional amendment to ensure that education is treated as a fundamental right.
Furthermore, the professor highlighted the importance of improving the welfare of teachers and other educational stakeholders. He suggested that better support for teachers would enhance the quality of education in various communities. Prof. Onuora-Oguno also emphasized the need for policies and laws to be aligned with a rights-based perspective, ensuring that education access is maintained and improved.
The professor also called for better data collection on the educational needs of persons with disabilities, which is essential for effective budgeting and planning. He urged the Federal Government to support non-state actors in their educational roles and encouraged everyone to contribute to providing quality education for all citizens.
