By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye
Change Managers Network International is a prominent Nigerian non-governmental organisation (NGO) is championing the rights of women and children as well as communities’ rights.
The Founder and Chief Executive of the NGO, Felicia Onibon, in this interview, highlights concerns over escalating kidnappings in northern Nigeria jeopardizing educational progress. The former national moderator of Civil Society Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), which is a coalition of 450 NGOs advocating for education, she questions the absence of women’s groups mobilizing against the menace of mass abduction of school children,to prompt urgent government intervention.
What is your assessment of the current state of the education sector in Nigeria in view of the multiple challenges facing the sector?
As a mother, I align with the universal desire for children’s education and safety. The current insecurity challenges in Nigeria, including recent events in Ekiti State, have heightened fears among parents. Despite decades of advocating for girls’ education, concerns persist, especially in northern Nigeria. Parents increasingly value their daughters’ education and aspire for their success. However, the prevailing insecurity and corruption in the education system hinder progress.
The Safe Schools Initiative was expected to enhance security in schools, but corruption remains a pervasive issue affecting various sectors, including education. While the Education Ministry has safety protocols in place, implementation is hindered by resource constraints. Efforts like requiring signed agreements to prevent harassment show promise, but broader safety measures, such as fencing schools, face financial challenges.
Collective responsibility is crucial, with citizens urged to hold authorities accountable and combat misconduct. Providing better opportunities and guidance for youths is essential to deter them from engaging in illicit activities like internet fraud.
The desire for education in children is often driven by the belief that it leads to personal and familial success. Children seek a safe, supportive school environment where they feel valued and secure. Adverse circumstances, like safety concerns, can hinder their educational aspirations.
After viewing a documentary on rescued children in Kebbi State, I pondered for days on how to help. Some of the girls feared attending school due to safety concerns, while others longed to return. A private school in FCT offered scholarships to those willing to return, but for those who stayed back, doing so is a missed opportunity. Efforts were made by a women’s group where I belong to support these children as well as resolve to engage with them and their parents to see the need to return to school.
One 13-year-old girl faced harsh opposition from her father on her return, who refused to show empathy and understanding. To him, she should have committed suicide rather than bring shame to the family. Despite challenges, these girls showed promise for their futures. Support from the women’s group was towards them, focusing on their well-being and ensuring their needs were met. We emphasised counselling and inclusion efforts, to alleviate the burden on these children. Tragic events, like pregnancies and losses, underscored the importance of providing holistic support to these vulnerable children.
Are you content with the government’s efforts in addressing this issue and what areas do you believe need improvement in safeguarding students in schools nationwide?
The government’s efforts are lacking, leading to widespread disillusionment both within and outside the Ministry of Education. Despite the presence of intelligent individuals capable of strategic thinking, the issue lies in the execution of ideas once funding is secured. This is particularly disheartening given initiatives like the Safe Schools Initiative, where financial contributions were made with the expectation of genuine impact but often resulted in self-serving motives overshadowing the core purpose of safeguarding children’s lives. The situation not only reflects a systemic problem but also raises concerns about the misuse of resources, leaving organizations like UNICEF, who have invested significantly, understandably frustrated.
How can stakeholders be held accountable for international projects like the World Bank’s involvement with the Nigeria Governors Forum on health projects?
Monitoring is a critical issue, as previously mentioned. Our extensive monitoring efforts have revealed a concerning trend: individuals who receive funds for projects tend to only perform when they anticipate external scrutiny. This behaviour highlights a flaw in governance. The government should welcome independent monitors, not limited to civil servants. The success of the MDG initiative in various ministries can be attributed to the presence of impartial evaluators who assessed project outcomes in the field. Our experience in the southwest region, particularly in Ekiti state, involved thorough on-site inspections of projects. Community members, upon realising our presence, would alert contractors, prompting swift action. This underscores the importance of transparent oversight in ensuring project accountability and success.
To ensure accountability and transparency, checks and balances are crucial in governance. Without proper oversight, instances of corruption can undermine trust in institutions. The importance of independent organisations and civil society in monitoring and critiquing government actions cannot be overstated. Involving civil society in decision-making processes can lead to more effective governance and community development. Collaboration between government bodies, independent groups, and civil society is essential for fostering a culture of integrity and progress in various sectors, including education.
I advocate for the involvement of communities in school management through School Based Management Committees (SBMC). It is crucial for communities to be engaged in the school system, understanding its operations without interfering in academic matters. Creating a conducive environment where students can learn, play, and feel safe is a collective responsibility. We have successfully implemented SBMC across all states, with the Ministry of Education’s support. This model has garnered support from the World Bank, facilitating community participation in school construction projects, particularly in northern Nigeria. By engaging parents, students, youth, and religious leaders in school governance, we aim to ensure a safe and effective learning environment for all.
It has been suggested that the previous administration’s abandonment of the Safe Schools Initiative contributed to recent abductions. What is your view?
I quite agree with the opinion that the previous administration’s abandonment of initiatives like the Safe Schools Initiative, coupled with a focus on personal wealth over public service, has fostered a societal obsession with wealth accumulation, leading to criminal activities such as kidnapping for ransom. This shift in priorities has inflicted widespread harm on critical sectors like health and education, exacerbating suffering in areas that demand public investment. While individual efforts can provide support, the magnitude of the issue necessitates urgent government intervention to safeguard citizens’ well-being, especially for vulnerable groups like women and girls.
A poignant example from my neighbourhood of the impact of education on a girl’s life, was that of a mother running an akara (bean cake) business who faced the dilemma of prioritising her children’s education due to financial constraints. Opting to prioritise her son’s schooling, the mother had to keep her daughter at home, risking the girl’s future and potential early pregnancy. Recognizing the challenges faced by many families in similar situations, I personally stepped in to sponsor the girl’s education. Despite the odds, she excelled, achieving second place in the entire JS3 arm. This success story highlights the transformative power of education, showcasing how it can break the cycle of poverty and empower individuals to defy expectations. The girl’s journey serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the profound impact education can have on shaping a brighter future for every child.
What do you think is behind the upsurge in kidnapping?
The surge in kidnapping reflects a significant shift in criminal activity, driven by the lucrative profits identified by kidnappers and bandits. While foot soldiers receive modest sums like N50,000 or N100,000, leaders demand much larger amounts, creating a stark disparity. Recent incidents, such as negotiations in Lagos and Ogun for N2 million by kidnappers, illustrate the hierarchy within these criminal operations. Instances like a woman in Benin losing $100 to intruders because a member of family snitched on her, highlight the severity of the situation.
The lack of a clear solution is concerning, especially for Nigerian women seeking unity against these crimes. I’m surprised there has not been calls for nationwide protests to raise awareness and prompt government to act. Organizations like the Civil Society Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) could lead these efforts, emphasizing the need for women in leadership roles for effective advocacy against these atrocities.
And I knew the kind of steps we took when debates were not going the way we wanted to go. We also used the opportunity of the Global Action Week which comes up every April to protest and to run different campaigns reminding the government of some of the things they need to do. I will get back to CSACEFA and we will see how we can work together and speak on behalf of children. We don’t want communities where you don’t have educated people. The result of it is very bad and we are seeing some of the result of it. If you come to where I live, the Almajiri of old have graduated into men and many of them have had no home training. The only thing that they have that may help us as a nation is the fact that they have been trained to go to the mosque. So they run to the mosque when it’s time for prayer. I don’t know what they tell them when they get there. But that’s the only opportunity they have to something that is a little bit organised. So when you are asking about home training, they don’t have it. So these are the boys.
In many communities in northern Nigeria, mothers often prioritise their daughters’ marriage over education due to lack of resources and education themselves. Encouraging girls to attend school requires empowering mothers economically or educationally to support their daughters’ education. Despite challenges, there is hope for change through empowering mothers and creating opportunities for girls’ education.
What can the present administration do to resuscitate the Safe Schools initiative to safeguard the learners?
It is crucial for the current administration to prioritise the Safe Schoos Initiative by allocating sufficient funds and ensuring the actual safety of schools. Transparency in fund allocation is essential to prevent misuse. While there may be concerns about potential corruption, fostering a culture of integrity among those involved can mitigate such risks. By emphasising accountability and diligent oversight, similar to the approach taken by the UK Government in monitoring grants across various sectors, the effectiveness of initiatives can be maximised. Rigorous monitoring and swift action against any fraudulent activities are key to ensuring that allocated funds serve their intended purpose and contribute to the improvement of education and other vital sectors.
Corruption in the environment is a recognized issue, and it’s interesting to note that the concept of corruption isn’t traditionally present in our local languages but was introduced from Western influences. This suggests that corruption existed elsewhere before being transferred to our country. For the current administration, there seems to be a demonstrated capacity to track and manage finances effectively. It is crucial for them to utilize this capability to ensure that allocated funds are used appropriately.
Involving civil society in these efforts is essential as many within civil society are dedicated to helping the community. This includes educated individuals, professionals from various fields, all sharing a common goal of promoting transparency and accountability. Leveraging the expertise and goodwill of these individuals can greatly benefit the country, especially in serving the needs of the less privileged.
What would all these impacts have on the numbers of the out-of-school children challenge facing the country?
The reduction in the number of out-of-school children will be facilitated by increased community involvement in child welfare. It is essential to recognize that raising a child requires collective effort beyond just the parents. The proverbial “It takes a village to raise a child” underscores the importance of communal responsibility. In many communities, you will observe a collective sense of guardianship where individuals beyond the biological parents take an interest in a child’s well-being. This proactive approach involves community members intervening when they notice a child loitering instead of being in school. They may alert the child’s parents or community leaders to address the situation. Education is a fundamental right, and while there may be incidental costs associated with schooling, it is ultimately the responsibility of parents to ensure their children receive basic education. Government support is valuable, but it cannot fulfil all obligations. Every child deserves access to at least a basic education up to secondary level to develop literacy, numeracy, and social awareness. Unfortunately, the current educational system falls short as many students completing junior secondary lack effective communication skills and confidence.
Transitioning from primary to secondary school is crucial. Despite only 10 percent of primary school graduates advancing to secondary education, initiatives like the declassification strategy aim to ensure students reach junior secondary 3 (JS3). This strategy intends to facilitate the transition to secondary school, yet challenges persist, especially in rural areas where completing JS3 is often seen as sufficient. Consequently, some students must independently pursue further education, underscoring the importance of support for those who grasp its significance.
In Pyakasa, Abuja, resides a remarkable individual named Amina Isaiah, who defied all odds to pursue education. Despite initial hesitance from her parents due to financial constraints, Amina’s unwavering determination led her to sell moi moi before school to finance her studies. Her perseverance not only saw her through completing her education but also propelled her into a teaching career.
During a project trip to the United Kingdom by my organization, Amina’s exceptional achievements were acknowledged, resulting in her inclusion in the traditional council upon her return. This experience ignited a passion for further education, culminating in her becoming a vice principal. Her journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and resolute perseverance, showcasing the profound impact of determination and continuous learning.
Despite facing personal adversities, such as the loss of her husband, Amina remained steadfast in prioritizing her children’s education, recognizing its potential to expand horizons. Her story underscores the critical importance of ensuring every child has access to education, underscoring its pivotal role in positively shaping individuals and communities.
Her narrative serves as a poignant reminder that education is a fundamental right that must be safeguarded for all children, fostering growth, empowerment, and boundless opportunities across borders. It dispels misconceptions surrounding the value of education, highlighting its capacity to elevate both individuals and society as a whole.
In some communities, like those in Kano, schools exist without teachers. These communities take the initiative to scout for teachers among their young, unemployed graduates. They prioritise individuals with relevant academic backgrounds, such as science or English, to educate their children. Despite modest stipends of around N15,000 per month, these dedicated teachers are valued by the community for their role in the children’s academic success.
When these teachers consider leaving for better opportunities elsewhere, the community persuades them to stay by highlighting the positive impact of their teaching on the students’ achievements. This narrative challenges misconceptions about the value of education and showcases how educated individuals contribute to their communities, especially in regions like northern Nigeria.
Education not only empowers individuals to secure employment but also equips them with essential knowledge, like healthcare practices for children, ultimately improving child survival rates. By emphasising the importance of education and advocating for Nigerian children, we can inspire positive change and encourage continuous support for education initiatives.
After Chibok, did you imagine that we would have recurrence of kidnapping back-to-back like we have witnessed recently?
There is a deep concern about the unresolved issues surrounding the abduction of the Chibok girls and other children, which continues to instil fear. The thriving motorcycle business raises questions about who is supplying these vehicles to those involved in abductions. The leadership within the motorcycle industry should be scrutinised, considering the significant cost of purchasing motorcycles. Additionally, the issue of small arms proliferation must be urgently addressed.
Before the 2015 election, security reports highlighted the presence of hidden arms and ammunition in seemingly innocent kiosks in Kano, indicating a readiness for violence if the election outcome was unfavourable. The source of these weapons, likely supplied by politicians, needs to be investigated. The law enforcement agencies in the country are capable. With proper guidance and political will, they can effectively address these security challenges.
Efforts to retrieve illegal arms and ammunition from circulation are crucial for national security. With the right policy directives from the President to key security officials, a targeted operation could significantly reduce the presence of illicit weapons within a short timeframe. By empowering law enforcement agencies with clear instructions and timelines, a swift and effective response to this security threat can be achieved.
Nigeria requires firm and decisive action, not delicate handling. Clear instructions, diligently followed, can significantly reduce insecurity. During the colonial era, Nigeria was seen as a valuable asset, attracting those who benefit from its instability. To truly address Nigeria’s challenges, the presidency must demonstrate genuine commitment. Sincerity is key. Some in power prioritize personal gain, seeking luxury and privilege. True change requires sincerity, honesty, and a deep concern for the well-being of all citizens, especially the vulnerable, not fear of the populace but empathy for their lives, especially the children.