Rethinking School Celebrations And Tackling Out-Of-School Challenges

By Olasunkanmi Arowolo

Education policy often involves striking a delicate balance between cultural traditions, financial realities, and long-term learning outcomes. Two recent interventions in Nigeria highlight this challenge: the Imo State government’s ban on nursery and JSS3 graduation ceremonies, and the Federal Government’s new literacy drive with cash transfers to mothers. Both have generated strong reactions, but each offers lessons worth deeper reflection.

The graduation ban: Beyond social fanfare
I recalled I was on a short weekend visit to a family where one of the persons in the gathering showed me a viral video of glamorous graduation ceremonies by nursery pupils; so, even featuring red carpets, grand arrivals like prom events in the western part of the world, asking what my thoughts were about it. I simply said: “this is an indicator of misplaced priorities.” 

Would You Like To Be A Teacher?

 By Daniel Ighakpe

“Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.” – Japanese Proverb.

In many parts of the world, October 5, of every year is observed as World Teachers’ Day. Also known as International Teachers’ Day, it is a day that celebrates the incredible role that teachers all over the world play and their important contribution to society. This year marks the 29th anniversary of World Teachers’ Day, and the theme for this year is: “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.”

On October 5, 1966, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) signed a recommendation concerning the “Status of Teachers.” This guidance hoped to target and investigate the status and situation of teachers across the world. From their working conditions, recruitment, rights, and responsibilities, this historic recommendation set a high standard of practice in the workplace.

Revisiting Laws Against Women’s Rights And Freedom

 By Adimula Oluwabukola

On September 16, 2022, a 22-year-old Iranian woman named Mahsa Amini died in Tehran, Iran, under suspicious circumstances, potentially due to police brutality. The woman’s death led to countrywide protests by Iranian women against the government. It is worrisome that women can easily lose their lives by not covering their hair the right way. These absurd laws that dictate how a woman should live are common in most Asia and African countries.

Examples of such laws are the inheritance laws against women in Eastern Nigeria, money wives stories in South Eastern Nigeria, and much more. There is a need to tackle these issues through sensitisation, abolishment of harmful practices and enactment of laws.