The SEED Care & Support Foundation has launched Today its initiative with a conference in Lagos under the theme, “No Child Left Behind: Ensuring Education Systems Serve ALL Children in Nigeria”. This event brought together prominent voices in the education sector to address barriers to equitable, quality education in Nigeria and to inspire collaborative action for change.
Mrs. Abosede Paul Obameso, in her opening address, emphasized the importance of making quality education accessible to every Nigerian child. “All children deserve access to quality education,” she stated, underscoring SEED’s core mission. Obameso stressed that addressing educational disparities is vital for the nation’s future and that inclusive policies should be at the forefront of educational reforms.
Aashti Zaidi Hai, CEO of Global School Forum, delivered a stirring keynote address, calling for a united approach to education. “Education is a collective effort,” she said, highlighting the importance of partnerships to bridge gaps in Nigeria’s education system
British High Commission’s Senior Education Adviser, Ian Attfield, tackled the topic of affordability, asserting that while education doesn’t need to be free, it must remain accessible. “Education doesn’t have to be free, but it must be affordable,” Attfield noted. He advocated for inclusive policies to ensure that children from all backgrounds—including those with disabilities—are not excluded. “The theme ‘No Child Left Behind’ is a powerful reminder that every child, no matter their background, has the right to education,” he added.
Stephen Caleb Opuni, Regional Director for Africa at the IDP Foundation, Inc., offered valuable insights drawn from Ghana’s low-fee private schools, which displayed remarkable resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite school closures, he explained, “most schools reopened, largely because of their strong ties to parents and the flexibility they showed in fee structures and payment options.” He noted, “We need all hands on deck to ensure that no child is left out, regardless of the type of school they attend.” Opuni’s remarks illustrated how adaptability and community support can keep education accessible during challenging times.
In a goodwill message, Mr. Jamiu Alli Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, acknowledged Nigeria’s educational challenges, from inadequate infrastructure to overcrowded classrooms and a lack of teacher training. “We face challenges that need urgent attention,” Balogun admitted. He discussed the government’s initiatives to provide digital tools for students with disabilities and said, “We must give every child a chance to succeed by modernizing our approach to education.” He concluded with a hopeful message: “This is our chance to shape the future of Nigerian education.”
Leading the official SEED launch ceremony, Mrs. Olanrewaju Oniyitan underscored the foundation’s mission to ensure that all Nigerian children receive quality education, regardless of their social or economic status. “Our children deserve more than our hopes; they need our actions,” Oniyitan declared. She emphasized that SEED’s purpose is to not only raise awareness but to drive tangible change. “We must work together to bring these dreams to life,” she stated, reiterating SEED’s commitment to improving educational access for all children.
A series of discussions followed, including a fireside chat moderated by Isabella Adediji, Managing Director of Yellow Tamarind Productions, featuring thought leaders like Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, former Lagos State Commissioner for Education. The chat highlighted the importance of practical steps to implement inclusive education policies.
In the panel “No Child Left Behind: The Critical Role of the Affordable Non-State Education Sector in Attaining SDG4 in Nigeria,” experts discussed how affordable non-state schools could bridge gaps in Nigeria’s education sector. Hon. Orji Kanu Emmanuel, National President of the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), spoke about the regulatory challenges facing these schools. “Policy restrictions make it hard for affordable private schools to thrive,” he explained.
Dr. Ogunmuyiwa Sulaimon Olagoke from the Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance shed light on the state’s role in supporting the non-state sector. “We’ve streamlined the approval process to support private schools,” he noted, explaining a structured grading system that ensures quality standards.
Dr. Gboyega Ilusanya, CEO of Wise Daniel Development Consultancy Ltd., questioned whether Nigeria has a clear national philosophy on education. “As a country, we need a guiding vision for education,” he asserted, suggesting that a shared philosophy could unify and strengthen Nigeria’s educational framework.
The SEED Foundation conference’s second panel, “Reinventing Finance: Fit for Purpose Financing in Transforming the Affordable Education Sector in Nigeria,”focused on innovative financial solutions to make education more accessible. Moderated by Olapesi Falope, the discussion featured insights from finance and policy leaders.
Bunmi Ajani Lawson, CEO of EdFin Microfinance Bank, highlighted her organization’s long-term efforts to finance affordable education, expressing satisfaction with the progress made. Adewumi Oni from the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and Oyeyinka Banjo of LOTUS Bank discussed the role of financial institutions in supporting schools.
Dr. Adetola Salau, Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor, emphasized the need for government collaboration to ensure that “no child is left behind.” Panelists agreed that effective financing models are crucial for creating an inclusive education system in Nigeria.
