Governments at all levels have been urged to commit more investment to the education sector by allocating more resources to underserved regions in order to accommodate the growing number of children aspiring to attend school.
The Orangun of Oke-Ila in Osun State, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, made this call during the 14th convocation lecture of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, with the theme: “Modeling Quality Education for the Reach of the Vulnerable.”
The monarch urged governments to also focus on services for vulnerable populations and improve infrastructure and teacher quality to bridge the educational divide for these groups.
According to him, both formal and informal education systems should be integrated into the formal education system to increase enrollment across the country and achieve equitable, quality education for the most vulnerable populations.
He said, “Community engagement is key to success, as involving local leaders and communities would address cultural barriers, such as child marriage, that hinder education in some regions.”
“It is imperative to leverage technology extensively. Leveraging technology means using it widely to provide remote learning opportunities in regions with limited access to schools.”
The monarch identified several economic burdens, wars, and inadequate human and material resources as factors responsible for the increasing challenges faced by vulnerable populations and the achievement of SDG 4.
ALSO READ: Information is key to economic revival – Gov Uba Sani
However, he stated that universities play a transformative role in advancing quality education, particularly for vulnerable populations. “As hubs of knowledge creation, innovation, and human capital development, these institutions are uniquely positioned to address educational inequities through research, capacity building, and community engagement.”
“Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, has the potential to serve as a model for addressing educational vulnerabilities, but it must prioritize investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and inclusive education policies.”
“A unified effort involving governments, educational institutions, especially universities, international organizations, private sector actors, and local communities is essential to achieving quality education.”
“By addressing systemic barriers and leveraging innovative approaches, the global vision of equitable and quality education can be realized for even the most vulnerable populations.”
“Universities, importantly, have a moral and pragmatic responsibility to bridge the educational divide for vulnerable populations.”
“Through research, partnerships, capacity building, and advocacy, they can drive systemic change, ensuring that education becomes not just a privilege, but a universal right.”
The founder of the institution, Hon. Bode Ayorinde, said the university offers scholarships to vulnerable and poor students.
He added that the institution focuses on ensuring quality education for the disadvantaged.
