The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Delta State, has advocated increased funding and targeted interventions to improve access and quality of education in rural and riverine areas of the state.
Delta State Coordinator of the Coalition , Mrs Juliana Nzemeka stated this in Asaba during a press conference to mark the silver jubilee anniversary of the group.
While describing Education as a fundamental right and a proven tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, Mrs Nzemeka hinted that too many children in rural and riverine communities remain out of school, deprived of the opportunity to learn. grow, and thrive.
She said the challenges were often compounded by shortages of teachers, classrooms, learning materials, and basic sanitation facilities, which discourage attendance and affect learning quality.
Nzemeka stated further, ”in some communities, traditional beliefs and gender stereotypes continue to limit girls’ education-through early marriage, domestic responsibilities, and perceptions that boys’ education holds greater value”
”To overcome these challenges, we must adopt a holistic and sustained approach-one that strengthens partnerships, policy commitment, and community engagement to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn”
The Delta State Coordinator of Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All, said the Coalition collaborated with the National Commission for the Almajiri and Out-of-School Children to identify and support affected children within the state.
She said the Coalition commended the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevworl for his administration’s continued Investment in education, particularly the payment of bursaries to 30,116 students in 2023 and 32,028 students in 2024.
”We also acknowledge significant progress in infrastructure development, capacity building, and technical/vocational education”
”Over 2,500 teaching and non-teaching staff have been engaged in public schools, while the primary education system has recruited around 3,000 new staff”
”We further appreciate the emphasis on digital literacy, ICT training, and cultural and academic competitions, which have greatly enhanced the state’s educational profile. The achievements of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) also deserve recognition”, Nzemeke stated.
Speaking on the anniversary theme, “Sustaining the Vision: Advancing Advocacy and Civil Society Mobilization,” Nzemeka said it reflects their continued commitment to ensuring quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all through collective action, policy advocacy, and community engagement.
Continuing, she stated, ”Over the years, we have actively engaged in policy advocacy, community mobilization, and collaboration with Government and international partners, contributing to the development and implementation of education policies and programs at all levels”
”In Delta State, CSACEFA has embarked on several impactful initiatives, including advocacy visits, awareness campaigns, and teacher training on Gender-Responsive Pedagogy, among others.
”CSACEFA remains committed to working with government, development partners, and communities to promote inclusive and equitable education. We are proud collaborators with Education Out Loud (managed by Oxfam IBIS), the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), and the Malala Fund Education Champions, among others-global initiatives aligned with our vision of quality education for every child in Delta State and across Nigeria”
”Our vision remains clear: A Nigeria guaranteed of quality education and dignity for all”
The Executive Director , Development Initiative for Community Impact ,Dr. Rachael Misan-Ruppee , commended the Coalition in its tortuous journey of championing impactful advocacy and crafting novel initiatives geared at promoting quality education for all in Nigeria for the past twenty five years.
She said a lot needed to be done even though primary education was officially free and compulsory in Nigeria, as about 10.5 million of the country’s children aged 5-14 years were not in school; only 61 percent of 6-11 year-olds regularly attend primary school; and only 35.6 percent of children aged 36-59 months receive early childhood education.
Other executive members of the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All , who spoke on the need for government and other critical stakeholders to support the policies and programmes of the Coalition, included Pastor Robert Osahor of the Participatory Initiative for Peace and Development; Mrs Josephine Omodor , Executive Director, Eye on the Future Initiative, and Mr Dennis Ehikwe of the Monu Olarewaju Foundation.
CSACEFA is a coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) working
