The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Faruk Abubakar, has stressed the need for all sectors of the economy to initiate reforms in education to achieve social change and justice in the country.
Abubakar, who stated this at the 13th convocation lecture of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, said Nigeria’s sector needs radical reforms and should be given priority, saying the time is ripe for the rest of the nation’s education sector.
According to him, educational policies and initiatives must promote equity, inclusivity, and social justice and should also address the unique challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s diverse society.
Speaking on the lecture titled “Education as a Tool for Social Change and Justice in Nigeria,” Abubakar said education and social change are interconnected, describing it as a powerful tool for social change and justice in Nigeria.
He called on all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure quality education for all the country’s citizens, noting that education alone might not solve all societal issues but will help to fight and reduce some societal issues.
“There is a connection between education and social change. Education comes first before social change, and effective social change can only occur with sound education.
“To effectively address the issues of social change and justice in Nigeria, the government, civil society organizations, international development partners, and the active participation of Nigerian citizens must work together in a comprehensive and ongoing effort.
“To build a more fair and equitable society that benefits all Nigerians, the government and policymakers must do the following; empower individuals, foster understanding and tolerance, encourage gender parity, deal with injustice and corruption, encourage civic engagement and active participation, economic development, and enhance well-being and health.
“However, education policies and initiatives must be designed and implemented to promote equity, inclusivity, and social justice and address the unique challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s diverse society.
“It’s important to acknowledge that education alone might not solve all societal issues. It needs to be complemented by efforts to address systematic barriers, promote inclusivity and ensure that the education provided is relevant, equitable, and empowering for all individuals.
“Effective social change and justice often require a multifaceted approach involving education, policy reforms, community engagement, and collective action to create a more equitable and just society,” he said.
Abubakar, who disclosed the efforts of the NMCN to reform the body, stated that strengthening the primary healthcare delivery level through improved training of Licensed Community Nurses and Midwives (LCNs and LCMS) as well as Registered Public Health Nurses (RPHNS) could not be taken with left-handedness so that more skilled healthcare personnel will be available in the rural areas across the country.
The NMCN Registrar, however, said in order to achieve improvement in the quality of healthcare services, the body has, in the last few years, embarked on reforms in nursing education.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Omolola Irinoye, in her remark, said that education was a transformation agenda and the means by which any society can develop.
Prof. Irinoye, who called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Dr. Bode Ayorinde, who she said had been contributing to the development of education in his communities.
According to her, an investment in education is an investment in the country’s future.
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