“Corruption in the education sector is very serious because unlike any other sector. This is where lives are made and futures are built. Education is an amazing tool for human capital development.’’
Award-winning Development Journalist and Editor of Niger Delta Link (NDLink), Ebenezar Wikina, made the statement during Amplified Radio’s #Bounce Corruption tweet chat series on mobilizing young people to fight corruption in the education sector. The tweet chat was held in commemoration of this year’s International Youth Day.
The theme of the International Youth Day 2019 is ‘‘Transforming Education’’. Corruption is an endemic problem that has permeated every system in Nigeria and the education sector is not spared. Nigeria has the highest number of out-school –children in the world. The United Nations Children Education Fund says 1 in every 5 of the world’s out-of-school children is in Nigeria. A 2019 Annual School Census carried out by the Universal Basic Education Commission, National Population Commission and the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that there are 10, 193, 918 out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Corruption makes ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all difficult if not impossible. Wikina argued that Nigeria would be jeopardizing its future if it failed to curb corruption in the education sector.
‘‘Education is the most powerful tool for national transformation. Nigeria cannot grow higher than the level of its educational system.’’
Why is it necessary to mobilize young people in the fight against corruption in the education sector?
Young people are disproportionately impacted by corruption. The employment prospects of youths are hampered as a result of corruption in the education sector. Furthermore, young people lack access to quality healthcare, and consequently, are unable to fulfill their economic and social potentials.
Wkina said corruption in the education sector itself in several ways such as sextortion, bribery, and examination malpractice. As a key element in youth development, it is thus necessary to pay keen attention to corruption in the education sector.
Commenting on strategies young people can employ to curb corruption in the education sector, Wikina said it is imperative for young people to hold authorities accountable and to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digital media to galvanize for social change. He also said that Nigeria can successfully fight corruption if society encourages a culture of integrity.
‘‘I believe young people should hold power accountable. They should hold institutions accountable and use formal means to request for what you deserve to get a conducive learning environment. We have social media let’s push our voices with it.
Yes, we can win the fight against corruption. I believe if we, as a society, encourage a culture of integrity, corruption can be fixed.’’
Written by Amplified Radio