Education Crucial to Justice, Social Change in Nigeria, Says NMCN Registrar
Fidelis David in Akure
The Secretary-General and Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar has said all sectors of Nigeria’s economy must initiate reforms in education in various endeavours to achieve social change and justice in the country.
Dr. Abubakar stated this at the 13 convocation Lecture of Achievers University, Owo (AUO), Ondo State titled: “Education as a Tool for Social Change and Justice in Nigeria”, held at Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed Auditorium of the institution.
The Registrar noted that there is a connection between education and social change and education comes first before social change, and effective social change can only occur with sound education.
“Educational policies and initiatives must promote equity, inclusivity, and social justice and address Nigeria’s diverse society’s unique challenges and opportunities.
“All stakeholders should collaborate to ensure quality education for all the country’s citizens. Education equips individuals with knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities, enabling them to make informed choices and advocate for their rights.
“By providing quality education to marginalised and disadvantaged communities, individuals can escape the cycle of poverty and gain the tools they need to improve their lives. Education can promote tolerance and understanding between various ethnic, religious, and cultural groups in a multicultural nation like Nigeria.”
He emphasised that to lessen the possibility of ethnic and religious conflicts, schools can play a part in teaching the values of diversity, respect, and unity in a multicultural society.
The NMCN Registrar called on Nigerian citizens to actively participate and cooperate with the government, international organisations, and civil societies in the quest for social change and justice.
“Social change and justice are complex, multidimensional issues that involve many different social, political, economic, and cultural elements.
“Promoting social change and justice in Nigeria is an essential but challenging task. The social change and justice concept in Nigeria underscores the need for progress that benefits all Nigerians and addresses historical and contemporary disparities. Pressing problems rooted partly in the citizens’ poor educational background, calling for coordinated actions and diverse solutions”, he stressed.
On the impact of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) Educational Reform for Social Change and Justice, Dr Abubakar said the council is working with relevant stakeholders to train Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Consultants to ensure improved access to quality healthcare services and guaranteed Universal Health Coverage for all citizens.
“NMCN focuses on producing higher-level manpower who are highly specialised in rendering equitable healthcare services to the population at all levels of the healthcare delivery system.”
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, of the institution Prof. Omolola Oladunni, in his opening remark, appreciated the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council; Dr. Bode Ayorinde for his commitment and investment in the university.
While explaining that education is a transformation agenda and how any society can develop, the VC called on other well-meaning Nigerians to borrow a leaf from the Pro-Chancellor by contributing to the development of education in their communities, adding that, an investment in education is an investment in the future of the country.
