Education: The Empowerment Nigeria Deserves!

An Article by Sakariyau Waris Ajibola, 2025 EPLF Fellow

In Nigeria, the word “empowerment” is often used, but it has sadly lost its true meaning. We see politicians giving out wheelbarrows, clippers, sewing machines, and bags of rice. These items are shared during campaigns or public events, with cameras flashing and speeches made. But once the moment passes, the people are left with little or nothing to truly change their lives.

This kind of “empowerment” may help for a day, but it does not lift anyone out of poverty. It does not create jobs or open real opportunities. It does not give people the tools to build a better future. What Nigerians truly need is not charity, but a lasting solution. That solution is education.

Education is the most powerful form of empowerment. It teaches people how to think, speak, build, and grow. With education, a child from a poor village can become a doctor, an engineer, or a leader. A young girl can dream beyond early marriage and grow into a strong woman with a voice in her community. A boy who once had nothing can learn skills that help him create jobs for others.

Sadly, Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in the world. Many schools lack basic things like chairs, books, toilets, or even safe buildings. Teachers are poorly paid and often not well trained. In some areas, children must walk long distances or face danger just to attend class. Girls face even more challenges due to poverty, tradition, and fear.

This is heartbreaking. A country with so many young people should see education as a national treasure. No nation can grow if its people are not educated. Countries that focused on education have seen great progress. Their people are more skilled, more united, and more peaceful.

If our leaders are serious about helping the people, then education must be the number one priority. Schools should be safe and welcoming. Teachers should be respected and trained. Learning should be for all—boys and girls, rich and poor, in cities and in villages.

But this is not just the job of the government. Parents, communities, churches, mosques, and even private companies must all join hands. Education is everyone’s responsibility. When one child is educated, a whole family can rise. When a community learns, it begins to grow. And when a nation invests in learning, it builds a future that is strong and bright.

The truth is simple. Free items may help for a moment, but only education brings lasting change. It is the key that opens doors. It is the light that drives away ignorance and fear. It is the real empowerment Nigeria needs and deserves.

Let us stop settling for less. Let us demand more for our children. Because with education, everything becomes possible.

Note: These are our fellows thoughts