CSACEFA Bauchi advocacy | SkyDNews News Desk
CSACEFA Bauchi advocacy has intensified calls for urgent reforms in the state’s education sector following a high-level engagement with the Ministry of Education, where stakeholders demanded immediate policy implementation, stronger accountability, and improved protection of school infrastructure.
The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) Bauchi State Chapter has intensified calls for urgent reforms in the state’s education sector following a strategic advocacy visit to the Bauchi State Ministry of Education.
The high-level engagement, which commenced at about 1:30pm at the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Education, provided a platform for meaningful dialogue as representatives of member organizations set the tone for a collaborative and solution-driven interaction.
Consequently, the CSACEFA State Coordinator, Mr. Nicholas Afeso Oshoja, formally outlined the purpose of the visit, while also extending warm congratulations to the Honourable Commissioner on his recent appointment, describing it as well-deserved and timely given the pressing challenges facing the sector.
Furthermore, Oshoja highlighted a wide range of systemic issues that have continued to hinder the progress of education in Bauchi State, stressing that without deliberate and sustained interventions, the situation could worsen. He emphasized that although policies exist, their implementation remains weak, thereby limiting their intended impact on learners and the broader society.
In light of this, he strongly advocated for accelerated policy implementation, urging the Ministry to prioritize and effectively drive the execution of key frameworks such as the Bauchi State Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, alongside the Gender in Education Policy, which notably includes School Re-entry Guidelines for married and pregnant adolescents. According to him, these policies must transcend mere approval and documentation, and instead translate into visible action and measurable outcomes that directly improve access, safety, and inclusivity in schools.
Bauchi Ministry of Education hosts CSACEFA representatives
Bauchi Ministry of Education hosts CSACEFA representatives
In addition, he called for strengthened sector coordination and accountability, noting that improved transparency and efficient resource utilization are essential for restoring confidence in the education system. He argued that without clear coordination mechanisms and accountability structures, even well-designed policies risk becoming ineffective.
Moreover, Oshoja advocated for the institutionalization of partnerships, specifically requesting formal recognition and inclusion of CSACEFA as a key stakeholder in the Ministry’s planning and implementation processes, as this would enhance collaboration and ensure that civil society contributions are fully integrated into policy execution.
Advocacy session on education reforms in Bauchi State
Equally important, he proposed decisive executive action for the protection of education infrastructure, recommending the issuance of an Executive Order focused on community accountability, protection, and safeguarding of public school facilities. He explained that such a move would not only deter vandalism and neglect but also foster a sense of ownership among local communities.
As he concluded, Oshoja reiterated that achieving inclusive and quality education requires strong leadership, deliberate policy action, and strategic partnerships, emphasizing that the time for action is now.
In response, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Bauchi State, Hon. Abdulkadir Ibrahim, expressed appreciation for CSACEFA’s proactive engagement and unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of citizens, particularly in the education sector. He acknowledged the concerns raised and admitted that many of the challenges confronting the state’s education system are deeply rooted and long-standing.
Stakeholders discuss school safety and policy implementation
Moreover, the Commissioner attributed the rising cases of insurgency, kidnapping, vandalism, and other social vices to the neglect and failure of the education system in Nigeria, with Bauchi State being significantly affected. He lamented that the country has failed to sustain the strong educational legacy inherited from the colonial era, adding that the current state of schools in Bauchi reflects years of inadequate attention and investment. In a moment of candid reflection, he stated, “We have failed ourselves,” thereby underscoring the urgency of collective action to reverse the trend.
CSACEFA delegation meeting Bauchi Education Commissioner
Nevertheless, Hon. Ibrahim assured the delegation of his commitment to driving positive change within the limited time available to him in office. He pledged to pursue what is right and necessary to improve the sector, while also promising to take up the CSACEFA Bauchi advocacy meeting agenda and escalate it to the Governor’s office for further consideration and action.
As the CSACEFA Bauchi advocacy meeting concluded, both parties expressed optimism that sustained engagement and collaboration would pave the way for meaningful reforms, while stakeholders continue to call for concrete steps that will transform policies into tangible improvements across schools in Bauchi State.
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