By Zainab Oyekan
SOS Children’s Villages, Nigeria, an NGO, on Monday called for inclusive, youth-driven educational systems to better prepare children and young people for the future.
The NGO made the call in a statement in Jos to mark the 2026 International Day of Education themed: “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education.”
Its National Director, Mr Eghosa Erhumwunse, said Nigeria’s huge youth population offered many opportunities but remained challenged by out-of-school children and overcrowded, under-resourced classrooms.
Erhumwunse acknowledged government’s efforts in expanding access, revising curricula, strengthening teacher training, and improving learning environments across the country.
He, however, noted that infrastructure and curriculum reforms alone could not guarantee meaningful learning or inspire ownership among learners.
He stressed that excluding youth experiences and creativity, risked making education distant, disengaging, and ineffective.
According to him, youth participation as co-creators improves outcomes and is essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goal Four on quality education.
He said SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, was promoting youth-led initiatives, including the Eco Champions platform, alongside investments in safe learning spaces and teacher capacity.
“An Eco Champion in Calabar developed a Climate Playbook, with 400 copies produced to support practical climate learning in secondary schools,” he said.
Erhumwunse urged government and partners to institutionalise youth participation, noting that education systems co-created with youth would ensure relevance, equity, and long-term impact. NAN
