𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄- 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘?

As we observe International Day of Education, it is imperative to critically examine the progress of free education in Taraba State. While the introduction of this policy was lauded as a bold step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4)—ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education—it raises an essential question: has the emphasis on access come at the expense of quality?  

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄  !!

The free education policy in Taraba State has undeniably made significant strides in increasing enrollment. Many children, especially in rural and underserved communities, now have the opportunity to attend school withoutt the financial burden of tuition fees. The policy has also contributed to narrowing the gender gap in education, with more girls staying in school, a critical step toward empowering women and girls.  

Infrastructure rehabilitation efforts and the provision of educational materials by the government have further demonstrated a commitment to improving the system. For many, free education is the difference between a life of opportunity and one of continued poverty.  

As a girl growing up in the village called Jegam, in Lau Local Government, I had firsthand experience of the 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐏𝐎𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝  . It took me  intense learning commitment to revive my intellectual life as I grew. Why? Because I did not have a quality educational foundation. What if I hadn't put in extra effort to get myself up? It would have been another story of being a regular girl. Once a child misses good nursery, primary, and secondary schools, which are the foundation years of acquiring basic knowledge, it takes a great deal of intentionality for the child to discover and fulfill their purpose.  

We deeply appreciate our father, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, for being an exceptional leader who prioritizes education. You have made it possible for the children of the common man to attend school and aspire for greatness. Your efforts are well appreciated. However, there is a need for SDG 4 to be integrated into this initiative so that children from less privileged backgrounds can receive not just free education but quality education.  

To ensure that free education in Taraba State achieves its full potential, the following steps must be considered:  

1. Investing in Teacher Capacity: Teachers are the backbone of any education system. Regular training, better remuneration, and improved working conditions are essential to retaining skilled educators and ensuring effective teaching , because students are the products of teachers, when they are poorly taught, it will dawn on them that despite having access to free education, they were not taught properly.

2. Infrastructure Development: The government must prioritize the construction of more classrooms and facilities to reduce overcrowding and create conducive learning environments.  

Overcrowded classrooms present significant dangers both mentally and health-wise. It is extremely challenging to manage an overpopulated class effectively, which negatively impacts students’ ability to learn. Additionally, overcrowding increases the risk of health issues, as it creates an environment where diseases can spread more easily and students’ mental well-being is compromised due to lack of attention and space.

3. Curriculum Enhancement:  A focus on life skills, critical thinking, and vocational training should be integrated into the curriculum to prepare students for real-world challenges.  

4. Strengthening Monitoring and Accountability: Establishing clear systems to monitor the implementation of the free education policy will ensure resources are used effectively and that schools meet the expected standards.  

The monitoring , evaluation and accountability, there are NGOs equipped to collect and analyze reliable data regarding free education, provided the necessary resources are made available for the governor and the state to know the progress of the free education . Additionally, the Ministry of Budget and Planning holds the responsibility of keeping track of these initiatives to ensure that the governor’s efforts are effectively implemented and resources are used appropriately.

Partnering with the  non-governmental organizations,  can bring in much-needed  expertise to track government efforts for the free education in the state.  

Free education is a powerful tool for achieving equity and social justice, but it must not compromise the quality of learning. As we celebrate the International Day of Education, let us shift the focus from merely increasing school enrollment to ensuring that every child in Taraba State—and across Nigeria—receives an education that empowers them to achieve their full potential.  

The real measure of progress is not how many children are in school but how many are learning and thriving. As advocates of SDG4, this is the question we must continue to raise: Is education truly transforming lives?  

IN CONCLUSION, as we celebrate the INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION, it is essential to reflect on the broader impact of free education in Taraba State. While the policy has made commendable progress in providing access to education, we must ensure that SDG 4 is not sacrificed in the process. Investing in teacher capacity, improving infrastructure, enhancing the curriculum, and strengtheningg monitoring and accountability are crucial steps in ensuring that free education translates into real opportunities for all children. Let us remember that true progress in education is measured by the ability of students to thrive, not merely by the number of children enrolled. By prioritizing quality alongside access, we can build a future wheree every child in Taraba State and beyond is empowered to reach their full potential.

BY AMINCHI NICODEMUS   

Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.