The Catholic Church has called on the Nigerian government to address the nation’s education crisis, which has left millions of children out of school.
In a message marking the International Day of Education, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) emphasized that education is a fundamental right and urged the government to collaborate with religious bodies to establish schools and scholarships, especially in rural areas.
The Church highlighted that partnerships between the government and religious organizations could help ensure holistic education, fostering a stronger and more equitable society.
Importance of Ethical Values and AI in Education
The statement, co-signed by Rev. Fr. Peter Babangida, Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh, and Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, underlined the critical role of parents in instilling essential values such as honesty, compassion, and self-discipline in their children.
The CSN stressed that these values are key to shaping future leaders committed to justice and integrity.
This year’s International Day of Education, themed “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” also brought attention to the role of artificial intelligence.
The Church cautioned against allowing AI to overshadow human agency, urging that technology be used ethically and to the benefit of all.
“AI has immense potential to enhance education and other sectors, but human qualities such as compassion and moral judgment must always take precedence,” the statement read.
The Church reaffirmed the need for urgent collective action to address the education gap in Nigeria.
“Education is a right that every child must enjoy,” the CSN declared, urging the government to partner with religious organizations to establish schools and provide scholarships in underserved communities.
As the Church concluded, nurturing values in children today is essential for building a society where leaders serve with honesty, responsibility, and a commitment to the common good.
What steps do you think the government should take to address the education crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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