Two UK based Non-Governmental Organisations, IA-Foundation and PSJ UK are set to launch a Westminster Report at the United Kingdom House of Parliament entitled ‘Illiteracy and Insecurity-An Unholy Marriage.’
The Daily Crucible reports that Nigeria has been grappling with insecurity in many parts of the country and the attendant challenges to education, food production, communal peace and safety among others.
A week ago, over 287 schoolchildren in Kuriga village of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State were snatched off their school by bandits and the abductors have reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion from the victims’ families.
The bandits had called to ask for the ransom which they claimed should be paid within the next 20 days.
The bandits claimed they are somewhere around northern part of Zamfara with the children. Zamfara is one of the epicentres of banditry in the North geopolitical zone of the country.
However, speaking ahead of the launch of the Westminster Report, the Founder/CEO of IA-Foundation, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo said the report will analyze the relationship between education and insecurity across the 36 states, and the FCT in Nigeria.
Mr Ayo Adedoyin the CEO of PSJ UK, noted it will discuss the causes, trends, and the implications of high rate of insecurity on the development of education at all levels in the country.
In addition, Adeagbo stated that Education has been a key sector hit both directly and indirectly – with direct attacks on learning institutions and sadly on the student populations with kidnappings, killings, destruction of infrastructure and the sowing of fear.
According to Adedoyin, The absence of peace has generally been a national phenomenon, but particularly so in the northern and middle belt parts of Nigeria causing severe disruptions to different sectors and industries. ‘This must be tackled comprehensively now otherwise it will mess up our collective future’ He said.
The report which the two NGOs collaborated on seeks to develop a strategic understanding of the source of these problems, analyse trends and examine implications / cost; as well as proffering evidence-based solutions.
For this reason, Adeagbo stated, ‘it was imperative to undertake a detailed study with the first-class academic minds of Nigerian scholars from The renowned ‘School of Security Studies’ at Kings College London.”
“This report will be presented to both Nigerian Diplomats and Embassy staff on behalf of The Nigerian government as well as to UK Parliamentarians and members of The British Government in recognition of the enduring and renewed ties and relationships between the 2 partner countries. The UK and Nigeria recently renewed the Security and Defence Partnership pact which seeks to address and eliminate all forms of terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria for the long-term benefit of both nations.
The recommendations from the report will be turned by the collaborating charities into ‘draft Action plans’ which the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) and Nigeria’s NSA Office can lead efforts to drive implementation on.
