Cardinal Onaiyekan in Nigeria Proposes Education that Promotes Human Solidarity and Fosters Peace

On his part, Bishop Moses Chikwethe, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri underscored the need for the Nigerian government to educate young people in the country to respect every individual, advocating for an education that goes beyond superficial knowledge.

The Catholic Bishop called for a holistic approach that nurtures the heart, mind, and soul, emphasizing the importance of instilling values alongside academic learning.

“Education is not just about intellect; it encompasses cultivating virtues essential for a democratic society,” Bishop Chikwe said.

He urged participants to reassess traditional educational models that he said have fostered discrimination and inequality, advocating for a renewed focus on inclusivity.

“We need to reject all forms of discrimination and empower our youth to advocate for the marginalized. True education must promote harmony and respect for all,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop said.

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In his keynote address, Prof. Jean-Paul Niyigena from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium reflected on the focus of the contemporary missions of Catholic education in Africa.

“Catholic education in Africa must rely on the contents of Christian faith and African traditions to address crises like corruption, social inequalities, poverty, and environmental issues,” Dr. Niyigena said.

He noted that Catholic education has the mission to offer a holistic education that prepares young people for harmony with themselves, others, and future generations.

The summit also featured remarks from Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, who highlighted the government’s commitment to academic excellence and collaboration with the Church. 

“Our administration is dedicated to addressing the socio-economic and political issues plaguing our nation, but we need collective action,” Maman said.

He lauded the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) for its commitment to educational excellence and urged attendees to actively contribute to advancing educational initiatives. 

“Teamwork will significantly increase our chances of achieving our goals,” he said.

The minister further noted that existing government programs are making positive strides and setting the groundwork for future reforms. 

“By collaborating within the education sector, we can achieve remarkable progress,” he said.

He unveiled a strategic framework called “Education for Renewed Hope: Nigerian Education Sector Roadmap (2023-2027),” emphasizing practical problem-solving approaches across 13 thematic areas.

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The summit, themed “Global Compact on Education in the Nigerian Context,” brought together educators, policymakers, and various stakeholders to brainstorm innovative strategies for enhancing education quality.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.