By Meletus EZE
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), has urged government at all levels , in Nigeria, to dedicate a minimum of five per cent of their annual education budget to Early Childhood Development (ECD).
The Chief of UNICEF Nigeria, Bauchi Field Office, Mr Bhanu Pathak, gave the advice at a public function on Thursday in Yola whil addressing participants from Adamawa and Taraba states at a Policy and Advocacy Dialogue on Pre-Primary Education organised by UNICEF.
Pathak was represented by a UNICEF Education expert, Dr Mairama Dikwa.
He said early childhood development in the life of a child was fundamental, adding that it influenced academic achievements, progress in education and attainment in life.
“We, therefore, appeal to the government to invest at least five per cent of education budget into pre-education budget.
“ECD is the foundation of all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and it is part of the five impact areas of UNICEF focuses in the new country programme for Nigeria, “he said.
Pathak, who assured sustained support to Nigerian government in ensuring quality education and development of children, called for collective efforts for positive results.
“Children who attend pre-schools are better prepared to learn when they arrive in primary schools.
“Every state in Nigeria should invest in young generation and ensure that every child is loved, cared for and protected.
“Achieving that means promoting quality call for action, investing in early years to our qualitative efforts,” Pathak said.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Bappa Aliyu, assured the commitment of NCCE toward success of ECD.
He was represented by Dr Amy Shalangwa.
Aliyu lauded UNICEF for its support to the commission, particularly in training Master Trainers to facilitate the programme.
In their respective remarks, the Adamawa Head of Service, Dr Amos Edgar and the Chairman of Adamawa State Universal Education Board (ADSUBEB), Mr Hassan Toungo, commended UNICEF for its support to education in Adamawa.
They added that the state would continue to partner with UNICEF in transforming education in the state.
