Bishop Kukah Says Education Can End Poverty and Insecurity
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has described education as Nigeria’s strongest tool for fighting insecurity, poverty and ignorance.
Kukah urged governments at all levels to channel more resources into education instead of relying mainly on military operations to address the country’s security crisis.
According to the cleric, years of neglect in the education sector have fueled many of Nigeria’s current security challenges. Ignorance, Kukah said, continues to drive violence and instability across several communities.
The bishop also appealed to parents, religious leaders and community stakeholders to ensure that every child, especially those affected by conflict and poverty, has access to quality education.
Kukah made the remarks during the launch of a new education programme by Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Nigeria in Sokoto State. The initiative seeks to improve access to safe, inclusive and quality education for children living in crisis-affected communities.
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The project, titled Enhancing Access to Safe, Inclusive and Integrated Quality Education Services for Crisis-Affected Children in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria, aims to widen learning opportunities for vulnerable children. It will also strengthen teachers’ capacity and improve learning conditions in affected schools.
Speaking at the event, JRS Nigeria Country Director, Temple Anuforo, said the organisation has reached more than 65,000 people through its interventions in three local government areas of Sokoto State. Women account for about 60 per cent of the beneficiaries.
Anuforo disclosed that JRS has trained 483 teachers to improve learning outcomes in communities affected by insecurity. The country director also praised residents of Kware, Isa and Sabon Birni local government areas for supporting the programme despite persistent security threats.
The organisation, Anuforo noted, remains committed to ensuring that conflict and displacement do not deprive children of education. Access to learning, according to the JRS chief, offers hope and helps communities rebuild after crises
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During the keynote address, Kukah stressed that both Christianity and Islam promote the pursuit of knowledge. The bishop described education as a collective responsibility that demands support from families, faith leaders and government institutions.
Kukah also called on development partners and community leaders to back initiatives that expand educational opportunities. Every child, the bishop said, deserves the chance to reach full potential regardless of background or circumstance.
The cleric added that sustained investment in education would reduce the number of out-of-school children while promoting peace, social cohesion and long-term development across northern Nigeria
source: Vanguard News
Content Credit: Esther Adeyemi
Image Credit: ncfnigeria.org
