President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President of World Bank, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili and Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Chibuike Amaechi, have made a case for legislation on early child education across the country.
Jonathan made the call yesterday while declaring open a three-day National Conference on Kindergarten Education in Port Harcourt, organised by the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), a non-governmental organisation founded by wife of the Rivers State Governor, Mrs. Judith Amaechi
He said sound education and application of knowledge as well as policy implementation of early childhood education were the keys in promoting speedy development in the country.
Represented by the Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Inumo Abdul Kadir, the President said that education was not a privilege, but an inalienable right of every child.
“According to him, “We must make appropriate investments in early childhood education to achieve our lofty goals.”
In her lead paper, Ezekwesili said?? that education in any economy was the vehicle through which societal development could be achieved.
Ezekwesili listed six core areas of development that could enhance the educational system in the country to include early childhood education, basic education, secondary education, tertiary education, special education, as well as informal or adult education.
She stressed that early childhood education would address the problems of inequality and societal dislocation, explaining that the review of National Policy on Education was on course.