ADDRESS BY H.E. MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE CUMULATIVE LOCKDOWN ORDER OF LAGOS AND OGUN STATES AS WELL AS THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ON COVID- 19 PANDEMIC AT THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA MONDAY, 27th APRIL, 2020

Here is the full text of president Muhammed Buhari, Nationwide Broadcast on 27th of April, 2020

ADDRESS BY H.E. MUHAMMADU BUHARI,
PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE CUMULATIVE LOCKDOWN ORDER OF LAGOS AND OGUN STATES AS WELL AS THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ON COVID- 19 PANDEMIC
AT THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA
MONDAY, 27th APRIL, 2020

1. Fellow Nigerians

2. I will start by commending you all for the resilience and patriotism that you have shown in our collective fight against the biggest health challenge of our generation.

3. As at yesterday, 26th April 2020, some three million confirmed cases of COVID nineteen have been recorded globally with about nine hundred thousand recoveries. Unfortunately, some two hundred thousand people have also diedpassed away as a result of this pandemic.

4. The health systems and economies of many nations continue to struggle as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

5. Nigeria continues to adopt and adapt to these new global realities on a daily basis. This evening, I will present the facts as they are and explain our plans for the coming month knowing fullyfully aware that some key variables and assumptions may change in the coming days or weeks.

6. Exactly two weeks ago, there were three hundred and twenty three confirmed cases in 20 States and the Federal Capital Territory.

7. As at this morning, Nigeria has recorded one thousand two hundred and seventy-three cases across 32 States and the FCT. Unfortunately, these cases this includes 40 deaths fatalities.

8. I will use am using this opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families of all Nigerians that have lost their lives loved ones as a result of the COVID nineteen Pandemic. This is our collective loss and we share in your grief.

9. Initial models predicted that Nigeria will record an estimated two thousand confirmed cases in the first month after the index case.

10. This means that despite the drastic increase in the number of confirmed cases recorded in the past two weeks, the measures we have put in place thus far have yielded positive outcomes against the projections.

11. The proportion of cases imported from other countries has reduced to only 19% of new cases, showing that our border closures yielded positive results. . These are mostly fellow Nigerians returning through our land borders. We will continue to enforce land border arrival protocols as part of the containment strategy.

12. Today, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has accredited 15 laboratories across the country with an aggregate capacity to undertake 2,500 tests per day across the country.

13. Based on your feedback, Lagos the State Government and the FCT with support from NCDC is hasve established several sample collection centers in Lagos and the FCT. They are also reviewing their laboratory testing strategy to further increase the number of tests they can perform including the accreditation of selected private laboratories that meet the accreditation criteria.

14. Several new fully equipped treatment and isolation centres have been operationalised across the country thereby increasing bed capacity to about three thousand. At this point, I will commend the State Governors for the activation of State-level Emergency Operation Centres, establishment of new treatment centres and the delivery of aggressive risk communication strategies.

15. Over ten thousand healthcare workers have been trained. For their protection, additional personal protective equipment have been distributed to all the states. Although we have experienced logistical challenges, we remain committed to establish a solid supply chain process to ensure these heroic professionals are can work safely and are properly equipped.

16. In keeping with our Government’s promise to improve the welfare of healthcare workers, we have signed a memorandum of understanding on the provision of hazard allowances and other incentives with key health sector professional associations. We have also procured insurance cover for five thousand frontline health workers. At this point, I must commend the insurance sector for their support in achieving this within a short period of time.

17. Nigeria has also continued to receive support from the international community, multilateral agencies, the private sector and public-spirited individuals. This support has ensured that critical lifesaving equipment and materials, which have become scarce globally, are available for Nigeria through original equipment manufacturers and government-to-government processes.

18. The distribution and expansion of palliatives which I directed in my earlier broadcast is still on going in a transparent manner. I am mindful of the seeming frustration being faced by expectant citizens. I urge all potential beneficiaries to exercise patience as we continue to fine tune our logistical and distribution processes working with the State Governments.

18.19. I have directed the Central Bank of Nigeria and other financial institutions to make further plans and provisions for financial stimulus packages for small and medium scale enterprises. We recognise the critical role that they play in Nigeria’s economy.

19.20. Our Security Agencies continue to rise to the challenge posed by this unusual situation. While we feel deeply concerned about isolated security incidents involving hoodlums and miscreants, I want to assure all Nigerians that your safety and security remains our primary concern especially in these exceedingly difficult and uncertain times. As we focus on protecting lives and properties, we will not tolerate any human rights abuses by our security agencies. The few reported incidences are regrettableregrettable, and I want to assure you that the culprits will be brought to justice.

20. I urge all Nigerians to continue to cooperate and show understanding whenever they encounter security agents. Furthermore, for their protection, I have instructed the personnel of the security agencies be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment for their own protection.
21.

21.22. As we continue to streamline our response in the epicenters of Lagos and the FCT, I remain am concerned about the unfortunate developments in Kano in recent days. Although an in-depth investigation is still ongoing, we have decided to deploy additional Federal Government human, material and technical resources to strengthen and support the State Government’s efforts. We will commence implementation immediately.

22.23. In Kano, and indeed many of other States that are recording new cases, preliminary findings show that such cases are mostly from interstate travel and emerging community transmission.

23.24. Drawing from these, I implore all Nigerians to continue to adhere strictly to the advisories published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. These include rRegular hand washing, social physical distancing, wearing of face masks/coverings in public, avoidance of non-essential movement and travels and avoidance of large gatherings remain paramount.

24.25. Fellow Nigerians, for the past four weeks, most parts of our country have been under either Federal Government or State Government lockdowns. As I mentioned earlier, these steps were necessary and overall, have contributed to slowing down the spread of COVID nineteen in Nigeria.

25.26. However, such lock downs have also coame at a very heavy economic cost. Many of our citizens have lost their means of livelihoods. Many businesses have also shut down. No country can afford the full impact of a sustained lockdown while awaiting the development of vaccines or cures.

26.27. In my last address, I mentioned the Federal Government will develop strategies and policies that will protect lives while preserving livelihoods.

27.28. In these two weeks, the Federal and State Governments have jointly and collaboratively worked hard on thishow to balance the need to protect health while also preserving livelihoods, leveraging global best practice while keeping in mind our peculiar circumstances.

28.29. We looked atassessed how our factories, markets, traders and transporters can continue to function while at the same time respecting adhering to the NCDC guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.

29.30. We assessed how our children can continue to learn without compromising their health.

30.31. We reviewed how our farmers can safely plant and harvest in this rainy season to ensure our food security is not compromised. Furthermore, we also discussed how to safely transport food items from rural production areas to industrial processing zones and ultimately, to the key consumption centers.

31.32. Our goal was to develop implementable policies that will ensure our economy continues to function with while still maintaining our aggressive response to the COVID nineteen pandemic. These same difficult decisions are being faced by leaders around the world.

32.33. Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID nineteen, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved for a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Saturday, 2nd May, 2020 at 9am.

33.34. However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.

34.35. The highlights of the new nationwide measures are as follows;
a. Selected businesses and offices can open from 9am to 6pm;
b. There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements are will be prohibited during this period except essential services;
c. There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travels until further notice;
d. There will be Ppartial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed to allowfor the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers; and
e. We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the restrictions of on social and religious gathers shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.

35.36. For the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos & Ogun States shall subsist remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Saturday, 2nd May 2020 at 9am.

36.37. The Presidential Task Force shall provide sector specific details and timing guidelines to allow for preparations by Governments, businesses and institutions.
37. The above are guidelines. State Governors may choose to amend adapt and expand based on their unique circumstances provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines issued aboveon public health and hygiene.
38.
38.39. These revised guidelines do will not apply for to Kano State. The total lockdown recently announced by the State Government shall remain enforced be enforced for the full duration. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic.

39.40. I wish to once again commend the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure we win this fight. For those who got infected in the line of duty, be rest assured that Government will do all it takes to support you and your families during this exceedingly difficult period. I will also take this opportunity to assure you all that your safety, well being and welfare remains paramount to our Government.

40.41. I will also recognize recognize the support we have received from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other prominent religious and community leaders. Your cooperation and support has significantly contributed to the successes we have recorded to date. I will urge you all to please continue to create awareness on the seriousness of corona virus among your worshipers and communities while appealing that they strictly comply with public health advisories.

41.42. I will also thank the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Task Force for all their hard work to date. Through this collaboration, I remain confident that success is achievable.

42.43. I also wish to thank corporate organisations, philanthropists, the UN family, the European Union, friendly nations, the media and other partners that have taken up the responsibility of supporting our response.

43.44. And finally, I will thank all Nigerians again for your patience and cooperation during this difficult and challenging period. I assure you that government shall continue to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and livelihoods our citizens and residents.

I thank you for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

COVID-19 Press Statement: CSACEFA Charges Government on Education Needs at All Levels

 

National Moderator, CSACEFA Nigeria

CIVIL SOCIETY ACTION COALITION ON EDUCATION FOR ALL

COVID-19 Press Statement: CSACEFA Charges Government on Education Needs at All Levels

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Press Release

The wake of the second quarter of 2020, remains very significant to the people and government of the Federal republic of Nigeria with the wake of the COVID-19 Global pandemic. We will recall that on the 24th of February, the federal Government of Nigeria announce the confirmation of the first Covid-19 case in the country, of an Italian personnel who travelled into the country for a business meeting.  By march, 23rd more cases of the virus were announced. To this end the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria took a decision to put the high risk stakes of Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states on complete Lockdown for 14days starting from Monday the 30th of March, 2020. By the end of the 14days’ period, the president extended the lockdown for another from the 13th of March 2020. This is why I said the, “The country both the government and the citizens had to take a decisive decision, which invariably is changing the Socio-Political and economic plans and policies of the country.

The Covid-19 and the decision on the Federal government has put everyone on alert and we have seen that the education sector is not spared, School calendars have been altered and our children are forced to stay at home and have been encouraged t learn from home.

CSACEFA RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19

  1. Engagement with Government at states Level: In the wake of the covid-19, the coalition had engaged with the relevant education MDAs at National and states levels especially at FCT, Ogun and Lagos, to request the commissioner of education to close down schools, this we had done in collaboration with other civil Society Organizations within these states, these moves saw to the Lagos state government closing schools, followed by Ogun state and later FCT.

  1. Partnership and Collaborations: we understand that fighting the corona virus to a standstill requires a collective effort; partnership and collaboration. CSACEFA members, at all levels were encouraged and they began partnering with other NGO especially in the health sector on the best ways to communicate and sensitize the general public.

  2. Community Sensitization and awareness: The coalition mobilized members in all the 36 states and the FCT to engage in grass root sensitization. Many of these were done within members’ immediate communities (Observing the Social and personal distancing), producing online banners, short videos/drams, jingles, radio/television appearance and Social Media, sensitizing the public on the COVID-19, prevention, care and especially adhering to the directives of the Federal, States and local governments directives to fight the covid-19. For instance, members’ in

  3. Taraba produced Jingles, conducted community sensitization

  4. Lagos has been engaging with states and community authorities on sensitization

  • Delta State has been collaborating with Government and CBOs to provide palliatives for indigent persons and also sensitizing them on social distancing.

  1. At the FCT, the national Secretariat has been in meetings and discussions with the Federal Ministry of Education on teachers and students’ development in the midst of the lockdown.

  2. Community Support and Distribution of Palliatives towards alleviating hardship occasioned by the lockdown: One other striking response of the coalition at community and states level was the initiation of the “CSACEFA COVID-19 Community Support Initiative Project (CSIP)”. Through this initiative, the coalition has collaborated with Community Development Unions, Non-Governmental Organizations, Local Authorities traditional leaders and people in diaspora, to find ways around supporting the people through the provision palliatives in the forms of food to indigent and marginalized. We have recorded good support form good spirited Nigerians and citizens in the states supporting this project.

GOING FORWARD

We want to state that the coalition commends the efforts of federal and states government in the bid to containing the covid-19. We appreciate also the efforts of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 the daily briefing, this has reduced the adherence to fake news.  However, we must state here that there is still much to be done and especially in being transparent enough especially

  1. Education Financing: We are very much concerned on the toll this covid-19 is taking on education and now (the shutdown of schools across the country) and later. We are aware that the government has trimmed down the 2020 National budget. We want to by this briefing remind the Federal Government that education remains the only tool to ensuring nation building. Already, the 2020 budget allocation to education is about 7% which is far less than the recommended 20% by world bodies and less than the 15% replenishment pledge of the federal government in 2017 at Dakar. The Federal Government should remember that since this pledge was made the education budget has not risen up to 10%. It is very important that despite the reduction in the budget we strongly recommend that the education allocation should NOT be further reduced. The post COVID-19 will come with serious educational responsibilities especially providing learning facilities, and gender friendly and responsive wash facilities.

  2. COVID-19 Funding: While we appreciate the efforts of the private sector and good spirited individuals and corporate bodies who have contributed to supporting the pandemic in the country, we urge the Government and all the ministries, Agencies Departments and committees bestowed with the responsibility of utilizing this funds to do so with show of transparency and accountability. At our last count, we have recorded over N2rillion in cash donation to the Federal Government. As a coalition, we urge the Federal Government to be transparent in the utilization of the funds. In doing this, there is need to activate the Social Accountability Mechanism; Citizens deserve the right to know every plan, procedures and where their money is being put to. The government cannot expect the citizens to trust them while they are kept in the dark and things are don in secrecy.

  3. Again, we have read in the News that N700billion of these donated money has been lost to a fire outbreak at the accountant general office in the month of March. This kept us wondering if the Office of the Accountant General is the Central Bank of Nigeria where the country finances is housed. By this, we are requesting by this press release a report of the incidence of the fire outbreak and why N700billion was kept outside the Central Bank of Nigeria. We demand that Civil Society should be in the investigation panel and this we will do by self-funding.

  1. Post Covid-19: We are very much concern about what will happen after now especially recovering our economy and restoring our education system. Now that we are still battling with the Corona virus, it is important that we began to think of what should be done after now. This is a good opportunity for us to begin putting necessary infrastructures in place for our students especially basic and secondary education. We call on the Federal Ministry of Education and other Departments and agencies to put together, online training course for teachers’ development. This is the right time to continue to develop our teachers. We must encourage our teachers to take online courses to improve their knowledge while we eagerly await the end of the Covid-19.

CONCLUSION:

While we expect immediate intensified efforts of the various government at Local, States and National level. We Urge them the realize that the landmark made in the fight against the Corona Virus can be credited to the level of literacy and Education on out Nigerian. It calls for a rethink on raise the bar on education.

We salute also the courage of all Civil Society Organizations, Community Based organizations and NGOs who are at the frontline sensitizing the communities and the general public and also providing support in the distribution of palliatives. In the serving humanity, we urge you to keep all the safety measures prescribed; Make Sure you observe the Social and Personal distancing, Wash your hands regularly with soap on running water for at least for 30 seconds and use alcohol based sanitizers always, Keep safe distance from persons who are coughing and sneezing at least 4feet apart, cover your nose with your elbow curve when coughing or sneezing and most importantly, if you don’t have any serious thing to do outside, Please stay at home.

Thank you

God Bless Nigeria………………………………………………. Nigeria is blessed

COVID-19, CSACEFA Partnership and Collaboration to support communities

The world in 2020 usher in the year with the global pandemic (COVID-19). This pandemic has kept the world at distance. On the 27th of February 2020, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), announce the first case of the Corona Virus in Lagos Nigeria.  Continue reading COVID-19, CSACEFA Partnership and Collaboration to support communities

CIVIL SOCIETY ACTION COALITION ON EDUCATION FOR ALL (CSACEFA) HOLDS A NATIONAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE IN ABUJA

CNEC 2020 Delegates

The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All, on the 9th and 10th of March, 2020, played host to 210, NGOs, CBOs, Youth Groups, Women Organizations, Students Union and FBOs from all over Nigeria, at a 2day National Education Conference in Abuja.

The conference which was declared open by the Hon. Minister of States for Education, Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba, had also the representatives of the Hon. Minister of States, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed,  Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDG (SSAP-SDG), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, international Donor Organizations; Malala Foundation, Plan International, Actionaid Nigeria.

The conference deliberated on issues of partnerships, education financing and Strong social accountability mechanism as a tool to achieving the sustainable development goals.

With 200 plus advocates engaging with government at all levels, it is convenient to say that Nigeria is moving in the right part to achiving sustainable development, if the enabling platforms are enable. SDGs4 Pakistan Global Advocacy for African Affairs

CSACEFA National Education Conference: A well come remarks presented at the CNEC 2020

A well come remarks presented at the Civil Society National Education Conference 2020, held at the Barcelona Hotel WuseII 9th of March, 2020,

Protocols
The Hon Minister of State for Education
The Honorable Minister of state for Education
Executive Secretaries of Departments and Agencies
Permanent Secretariats.
The president of the World bank ably represented
Heads of Diplomatic Corps
Funders and Development Partners
Board, Coordinators and Members of the CSACEFA
Media Executives present
Ladies and Gentle Men
Mallam Kabiru Aliyu
National Moderator
CSACEFA

Introduction

 

It is with a large and profound heart of gratitude that I well come you to this first of its kind Civil Society National Education Conference, holding today and tomorrow. We cannot thank you enough for answering short notice leaving other very important schedules.

To some, we will say that the Conference is long overdue, to some it could not have come at a better time than this, and to us at CSACEFA, it is the biggest moment for use, especillay in our quest o advocating and working towards quality and inclusive education, promoting Gender in Education, through Gender at the center and Gender Responsive Education Sectors and strengthening partnership.

It is a common axiom amongst us that education is the key to national development and economic empowerment. And we all cannot agree less that Education in Nigeria needs urgent attention, in all spheres and at every level, whether Formal or Non Formal sector.  We cannot but appreciate the federal government for the laudable policies, the various acts/laws promoting right to education and dignity for all like the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act 2003, the Child right Act 2004, National Policy on Inclusive Education, National Policy on Gender, which presently being reviewed by the federal Government with support from UNICEF. Also the international communities for their presence in supporting the policies of the federal government; World Bank, Global Partnership for Education, USAID, the MacArthur foundation, United Nation Agencies, the private sector and all the Civil Society Organizations working in their different capacities.

These presence and efforts so laudable, we have continued to witness increasing rate of out of school children especially the girl child. (The statistics we have today points to the fact that there are 13.2 Million out of school children in Nigeria. 68% percent of this number of out of school children are girls), ill equipped public schools, inadequate infrastructures declining learning outcomes, School related gender based violence, a non-Gender Responsive Education Sector plans, Low budgetary allocation and disbursement of education funds, states not accessing education funds and all the challenges.

For us as CSACEFA we have asked ourselves continually, what could be the cause of these, even with the monies and support from local and international bodies. The quest was not too far from us as it was reading glaring on our faces even among CSACEFA Members: Lack of partnership leading to unhealthy competition, Weak or even the lack of Social Accountability mechanism for knowledge sharing and even when such exited, CSOs and even government hold back information. All these makes monitoring of policies, programs and projects difficult if not impossible. Hence this conference with the Theme: Strengthening Advocacy for Partnership, Engagements, Reforms and Monitoring: A Panacea for Sustainable, Inclusive and Quality Education for all

Honorable Minister Sir, recall at the GPE replenishment in Dakar 2019, the federal government pledged to raise education budgetary allocation to 15%. This is 2020 and the budget is still hanging at a little above 7%. Needles to compare us to other countries in Africa like Ghana and other whose national education budget is 25% and above. This conference honorable minister will like to request that the replenishment pledge we made before the whole world be consciously implemented. This will go a long way to solving the educational issues we have in this country.

The sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal has provided a pointer to us, we cannot achieve the 16 goals without partnership, even SDGs 4 and 5 which is our main focus cannot be achieved if within us we can not partner

This two-day conference therefore is to

  1. Provide a platform for National, local NGOs and partners the opportunity to share their works in the education sector and chart a way forward on achieving inclusive and quality education.

  2. Provide a platform for CSOs engagement and networking towards educational development and achieving Education 2030 in Nigeria.

  3. Further strengthen the capacity of CSOs on their roles in ensuring the delivery of education programs towards increasing enrollment and retention, transition and completion of basic and secondary education.

  4. Provide opportunity for government to commit to the financing, efficient and effective delivery of education programs and projects in Nigeria.

  5. Create avenue for CSOs and citizens to annually develop and derive policy positions on education delivery in Nigeria.

Honorable minister, Partners funders and CSOs. This conference is quite remarkable coming at a time when the world is celebrating the international women day, the decade of of action and marking 20years of the establishment of CSACEFA. What ever decisions we take here today while remain historical, pointing to how serious we are in solving the intersecting education challenges in Nigeria.

Before i close this speech, I will like to thank in a special way the National Coordinator, Nigeria Partnership for education Project (NIPEP) and Team Mr Achede Joseph, the World Bank Team headed by Dr. Adekola and the Federal Ministry of Education for the Support in ensuring that this conference was called at this critical time of our nations education sector challenges.

Once again, on behalf of the Members, Board, partners and staff of CSACEFA, we say thank you for coming and do hope that our deliberation in this two days of gathering will place us on the right path to partnership for quality and inclusive education.

Mallam Kabiru Aliyu

National Moderator.

Coalition Update

CSACEFA STRENGTHENS COMMUNICATION AMONG MEMBER

Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All (CSACEFA) began the year 2020 on building and strengthening the coalition and increasing the visibility of the coalition. states chapters in the 36 states of the Coalition held regular monthly meetings in the months of January and February, 2020. The meetings which were held at different locations, discussed issues around the building of the coalition and the Strengthening of members capacities.

States Chapters Monthly Meetings

Abia State Members of CSACEFA

On the 13th of January 2020, Abia State CSACEFA conducted the first meeting of the year. Highlights of the meeting was the review of 2019 activities, Successes, Failures and way forward, Payment of National and State annual dues. The meeting also deliberated and make plans on the on key initiatives for 2020 and plans towards achieving the sustainable Development Goals, Leave no Child behind, education 2030 and the continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) 2063. The first meeting also made plans on an advocacy to Abia State Universal Basic Education Board and Commissioner for Education  on the issue of closure of private schools abruptly.

The State also held the February meeting on the 6th of February 2020. Highlights include:

Reports.  of 2019 activities to the National office. on course.

Membership Drive: Registration of new members and payment of annual dues by all including areas.

Gombe

Gombe State presenting Policy ask to the Commissioner

Also, on the 30th January 2020, CSACEFA Gombe State held her monthly general meeting. At the meeting issues on building coalition and strengthening the membership base at that level were discussed. The following resolutions were made;

1- Continue with the campaign for state government to pay WAEC fees to the students that passed the mock exams. The government reviewed the marks upward and drops some students from the pass list to reduce cost.

2- Call on registered members to pay their annual dues and new ones to pay their registration fees.

3- Work plan for 2020 was presented and some inputs were made to it. Conclusion for final adoption will be done at the next meeting.

4- World Education Day will be celebrated in a rural Community called Zangomari. This community was chosen because, finding shows that the people in this particular community do not allow their children to attend school. As a result,  the coalition will conduct advocacy and sensitization activities to the community sensitizing them on the important of education.

OGUN

CSACEFA Ogun State Chapter Monthly Meeting Held at

  the Ogun CSOs Secretariat

Ogun State Coordinator
  1. State reports on Celebration of the Day of Africa Child as supported by CSACEFA national officeReports on High level advocacy visit to the New Ogun State House of Assembly with logistics support from the CSACEFA national.
  2. Report by Life Agenda Initiatives on Observance of World Literacy Day with a one-day stakeholder’s forum, an annual event supported by CSACEFA National.
  3. Issues on the national Conference Online Form as filled by members.
  4. Proposed Advocacy to PS Education.
  5. Initiating lobbying strategies to further engage SUBEB
  6. Interested new members were encouraged to regularise membership with the national office.
  7. The meeting was presided by the State Coordinator, Mrs. ADEBANJO T. A.
  8. 7 member organizations registered by national were present in the meeting

Capacity Strengthening of Members

The coalition in the month of January 2020, began the year with strengthening of the capacity of members at the state level. Different states have planned and executed capacity building workshop. The Lagos State chapter of CSACEFA on the 22nd of January 2020, held a One-Day Capacity Building workshop for the Lagos state members. The team capacity was built on

  1. The Case for Strategic Planning in Not-for-Profit Organizations: A Proactive Approach
  2. Building Capacity in Not-for-Profits to Create Greater Impacts: Leaving Nothing to Chance where their skills was strengthened on Advocacy, campaigns and mobilization. A total of 34 members attended the workshop and facilitators were sourced from with the members who are experts in the various topics.

 CSACEFA Engages with Policy Makers and Parliaments at the states and National Levels.

A lot of efforts have been put in place by states and national team to place the coalition as the voice of the marginalized in the education sector, and partnering with other civils society in Nigeria. with this in mind, the coalition in the months of January and February

Review of National policy on Gender in Basic Education

Lagos state CSACEFA members developing State work plan

The federal Ministry of Education in the month of February 2020, with support from UNICEF began the review of the National policy on Education. A 2-day meeting was held with education expert and partners to review develop the data collection instrument and also review the policy. CSACEFA was represented at the development of the review held at the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.

Local Education Group meeting.

The Local Education group meeting which in the context of Nigeria is referred to as National Education Group (NEG) holds every 1st Tuesday of every month. The Coalition at the national level attended the January and February (21st and 5th Respectively) meeting of the NEG, and was chaired by the Honorable Minister of State for Education. At the NEG, partners and stakeholders discussed issues around education programs and projects in Nigeria like the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) and other Projects. The NEG is also conducting the review of Monitoring learning Assessment (MLA), Developing the National Education Sector Plan (National/ESP), Updating the Ministerial Sector plan (MSP) using the Education Sector Analysis (ESA)

Kano State 3rd Education Week

CSACEFA Member on the 9th January, 2020 participated at the 3rd Kano State Education Week at Kano State Universal Basic Education Board headquarters, Kano. At the event there was distribution of Instructional materials to schools by the His Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Kano state Governor, those also in attendance where school authorities, CSOs, media and other stakeholders.

In Another Development, Members in Gombe State participated in a one-day interactive session organized for head teachers in Gombe Local Government Area by Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). The Executive Chairman, Mr. Babaji Babadidi, directed teachers in public schools across the state to enroll their children in public schools, to enhance performance and also make the teachers serious and dedicated to their work.

Meanwhile, On the 28th January 2020 members of Gombe state visited some media houses in Gombe to discuss areas of partnership for community sensitization and awareness. The following media organizations were visited Vision FM, Radio Nigeria (Jewel FM)

  • Progress Radio
  • Ray power
  • NTA Gombe
  • Amana FM.

A press statement was presented by the coalition pointing out some Basic and Secondary education needs in the state. Key of which is in the area of encouraging students’ retention and completion of basic and secondary education. The press statement jointly signed by all the members requested the Gombe state government to Subsidize enrollment fees of the West Africa Examination Council to enable indigent students enroll for the external exams in the state. They intend to visit Correspondence chapel, follow up with Amana FM and take advocacy request letter to the speaker Gombe State House of Assembly.

 KWARA

Kwara State Coordinator

On Thursday 30th January, 2020. CSACEFA Kwara paid advocacy visit to the Honorable Commissioner for Social Development (Mrs Deborah Abosede Aremu) to congratulate her and raise concern about some issues affecting our children’s access to quality education.

Some of the issues raised includeThe rate at which children of school age hawk/roam the streets and markets during School hours.

  1. b) The increasing rate at which girls are being abused sexually both by parents, guardian etc
  2. c) Child labour, child/forced marriage etc.
  3. d) Empowerment for women and drop out children through skill acquisition.
  4. e) Inclusion of rural women and children in the state programs.

Celebration of International Events

Gombe State CSACEFA on Saturday 8th February, 2020 celebrated “International Day of Education” at Zangomari village in Akko LGA. Community members have no regards to formal education system. CSACEFA members sensitized them on its significance. They appreciate CSACEFA for the sensitization.

SUCCESS RECORDED

1- sensitizing the community on significance of the formal education system.

2- Education committee of the community and CSACEFA agreed to meet BESDA for the enrollment of children to school.

3- CSACEFA on behalf of the community will meet with the Education Secretary of LG for posting of teachers to the community.

4- the community understands and pledged to provide some basic necessities to the teachers when posted for retention purpose.

5- CSACEFA will discuss with the district head and other relevant stakeholders for the recruitment of 3 persons that have NCE in the community for them to be able to maintain effective teaching and learning in the school.

The community wholeheartedly rejected the present school due to some beliefs. Since 1985 that the school graduated 40 students to date the school has never graduated a single person.

The community constructed a block of 2 classrooms last year at a different location which is currently serving as the school for the community.

World Cancer Day

Gombe State CSACEFA on Saturday 8th February, 2020 celebrated “International Day of Education” at Zangomari village in Akko LGA. Community members have no regards to formal education system.

CSACEFA members sensitized them on its significance. They appreciate CSACEFA for the sensitization.

SUCCESS RECORDED

1- sensitizing the community on significance of the formal education system.

2- Education committee of the community and CSACEFA agreed to meet BESDA for the enrollment of children to school.

3- CSACEFA on behalf of the community will meet with the Education Secretary of LG for posting of teachers to the community.

4- the community understands and pledged to provide some basic necessities to the teachers when posted for retention purpose.

5- CSACEFA will discuss with the district head and other relevant stakeholders for the recruitment of 3 persons that have NCE in the community for them to be able to maintain effective teaching and learning in the school.

The community wholeheartedly rejected the present school due to some beliefs. Since 1985 that the school graduated 40 students to date the school has never graduated a single person.

The community constructed a block of 2 classrooms last year at a different location which is currently serving as the school for the community.

The National Secretariat of CSACEFA Receives Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Secretariat Team.

In the month of January and February 2020, the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All National Secretariat received the GPE team in the office.

Key issues discussed was the areas of civil society engagement with government to support the implementation of the GPe projects in Nigeria. the Team Sudah, Baeten Sven and Sigsgaaro Morten, appreciated the contribution on CSACEFA in the education processes especially at the grass root and supporting the grant processes in the GPE states.

CSACEFA celebrates MacArthur Foundation duo

The management, Staff and Members of the civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All (CSACEFA), joined the friends and families of MacArthur foundation Africa office to celebrate; Dr. Kole Shettima, Frica Director MacArthur Foundation and Amina Salihu, Senior program Officer as they mark their birthdays.

Congratulating the duo at the Abuja office of the foundation, the CSACEFA National Moderator, Mallam Kabiru Aliyu, wished them more fruitful years in their efforts to supporting humanity. He however stated that the coalition and indeed the rest of Nigerian recognizes their contributions to policies, plans, Gender initiatives, leadership styles, and programmes, which have empowered and mobilised civic agencies in Nigeria to deepen the conversation around human rights, accountability and good governance.

Concluding, he wished them God’s bountiful blessings in their endeavours

NATIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY EDUCATION CONFERENCE

NATIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY EDUCATION CONFERENCE

A CONCEPT NOTE

THEME: STRENGTHENING ADVOCACY FOR PARTNERSHIP, ENGAGEMENTS, REFORMS AND MONITORING: A PANACEA FOR SUSTAINABLE, INCLUSIVE AND QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL

  Background

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Chapter 2 Section 18 provided that education should be the role of the states and federal government.  In line with the constitution, Over the years, from the independence, the federal and states government have made efforts in ensuring that education is well attended. The responsibility on education led to the formulation and review of policies over the years, though not without challenges.  In the wake of the millennium, the federal government reformed the Universal Primary Education (UPE) and enacted the Universal Basic Education Act in 2004; the Act provided for Free Education for Early child hood Development, primary Schools Education and the Junior Secondary. The Act made provision for special intervention and counterpart funding from the states and the FCT which included the provision of basic infrastructures like fencing, construction and rehabilitation blocks of classrooms and toilet/wash facilities.

In Nigeria the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) was also established to oversee and look deeply into the cause of the academic challenges confronting the universities, the fund was also set up for Polytechnics and colleges of education. Nigeria has a lot of policies on education, these laudable reform policies and reforms notwithstanding, but implementation, delivery and monitoring of these policies and acts especially with the duty bearers have always been a challenge. Recently the Child Right Act was enacted by the federal government, the act also made provision for the right to education and self-dignitary for all children in Nigeria.

The civil society group which is the voice and intermediary of the government and the citizen has conducted several advocacies to relevant stakeholders in the education sector to review some of these policies that are outdated and push for the passage of bills that will help in restructuring the education sector, and achieving the SDG 4. 

Apart from the federal government budget on education and other intervention projects especially on the Basic Education, Nigeria has received several interventions from international donor organizations in the form of direct grants and intervention on education, these interventions included the, Girls Education Projects, the Nigeria Education Initiative, the Global Partnership for Education. These projects have assisted girls financially and academically ensuring they graduate and have all the skills necessary to make life decisions, provide infrastructure in schools and train female Teachers. On yearly basis, the federal and states government budgets for education in their various capacities, International and local Organizations in Nigeria also carry out several of education interventions.

These interventions are mainly geared towards supporting the efforts of the governments at different levels and comes in the form of grants to support School improvement, Teachers Education, support organizational development. The Federal Ministry of Education, through the Nigeria Partnership for Education (NIPEP) working closely with the International Development partners, United States Agency for International Development, Department of Foreign and International Development (DFID), UNICEF, and other Donors and have contributed to the education space of the country.

This projects and intervention in Nigeria were closely implemented in partnership and collaborations with the government of Nigeria and Civil Society Organizations (CSACEFA) at the National and states levels. With huge budgets by the Federal Government and other intervening organizations it has appeared that a gap has existed over time especially in the areas of harnessing all the efforts of the interventions made, to have a standard education system in Nigeria.  to this end, a conference is intended to bring some of these challenges into the attention of all stakeholders through a Civil Society National Education Conference (CNEC), using intervention results and data for advocacy by CSOs in Nigeria. It will also bring to lime light the interventions and advocacies of different Civil Society Organizations, International Development Agencies, and government (s) in Nigeria.

The world Bank has been supporting education development in Nigeria since the first republic towards ensuring quality education from basic education to tertiary.  And it appears CSOs in Nigeria especially at the grass root are not taking advantage of the opportunities to support the processes at that level. Based on the premise of the activities of Donor Agencies, Local and International Organizations, the Civil Society Organizations and the private sector in Nigeria, CSACEFA will be organizing a two days National Education Conference, where issues of national concerns will be discussed for educational sustainability. 

 

About CSACEFA

The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All (CSACEFA), is an umbrella body of over 600 NGOs, CBOs and FBOs working in the area of education in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Since 2000 when the coalition was formed in the run up of the World Education Forum (WEF) in Dakar, the coalition has been in the forefront of education issues in the country engaging with the government and education partners in developing, monitoring and campaigning for quality education for all. CSACEFA is a member of the Africa Network Campaign on Education for All (ANCEFA) and the Global Campaign on Education (GCE). She is also a member of UNESCO Collective consultation of NGOs on literacy and EFA (CCNGO).

Conference Goal; The national conference is premised on the following goals

  1. To strengthen partnership with intervention partners and donors in Nigeria
  2. To increase the participation and involvement of CSOs in the delivery of education programs and policies in Nigeria.
  3. Provide a platform for the dissemination of intervention projects’ results in Nigeria to the government of Nigeria, International organizations and Civil Society Organizations.

Objective; The objective of the education conference is to:

  1. Further strengthen the capacity of CSOs on their roles in ensuring the delivery of education programs towards increasing enrollment and retention, transition and completion of basic and secondary education.
  2. Provide a platform for National, local NGOs and partners the opportunity to share their works in the education sector within the year and chart a way forward on achieving inclusive and quality education.
  3. Provide a platform for CSOs engagement and networking towards educational development and achieving Education 2030 in Nigeria.
  4. Provide opportunity for government to commit to the financing, efficient and effective delivery of education programs and projects in Nigeria.
  5. Create avenue for CSOs and citizens to annually develop and derive policy positions on education delivery in Nigeria.

Content

The two-day National Education Conference will encourage reflection, discussion and capacity building around the following

  1. Dissemination on facts and findings on the monitoring and implementation of education intervention projects in Nigeria by Donor organizations and CSOs
  2. Provide leadership training on Organizational / Institutional Management and visioning for CSOs in Nigeria
  3. Engage in discussion around the role of CSOs in ensuring the implementation of education policies, programs and project in Nigeria.
  4. Discuss processes and procedures for engagement with government and other development partners in the implementation of grants and projects in Nigeria.
  5. Chart a way forward in Achieving SDG 4 through partners’ collaboration, education financing and Genders Responsive approaches.

Target audience

The conference is expected to bring together 300 education advocates and expert from all the 36 states of the federal Republic of Nigeria. To include, CSOs (CBOs, FBOs, NGOs), Government Ministries Department and Agencies, International education Partners, diplomatic corps members and youths Organizations and staffs.

Date and Location: The conference will hold in the month of February 2020, in Abuja the federal capital territory.

Venue: The conference will hold in Abuja at the Plot 779, Cadastral Zone AO, P.M.B 140, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT Event format The conference is intended for a two-day event that will include

  1. Plenary,
  2. Panel sessions
  3. Break-out sessions,
  4. paper presentation,
  5. education fair
  6. side events
  7. Presentation and dissemination of monitoring reports by donors ,
  8. Advocacy briefs, and
  9. Raise communique on education projects delivery and funding in Nigeria.

There will also be training on the

  1. Strategic Advocacy and effective Organizational/Institutional Management for Civil Society Organizations
  2. Strategic Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for CSOs.

The plenary session will set the tone for the conference, lay foundation on the break out session, entertain the presentation and dissemination of monitoring reports and updates from CSCACEFA, World Bank, FME-NIPEP, MacArthur Foundation, USAID,  and other partners.

Co-hosts

The conference will be co-hosted by the Nigeria Partnership for Education and the World Bank.

A technical working planning committee will be set up, the committee will constitute of CSACEFA Staff at the National Secretariat and appointed members of CSACEFA resident in Abuja. The role of the committee will be to have a committee that will plan for the conference, develop conference rules and procedures and co communicate to the expected participants. Communication and Dissemination in preparation of the conference, all committee members will be duly communicated on the time, day and venue for the planning meeting, at least 3 meetings will be held before the conference.

Conference Structure

To have successful conference, the conference planning activities and events will take the following structure. October 2019: Inauguration of Conference committee

October 2019 to December, 2019    Conference Committee meeting

December 23rd 2019 to January 30th 2020  Conference invitation/ Publicity

20th December 2019 to 15th January 2020 Conference registration timeline (Opening/Closing)

  December to January, 2020          Conference Conference program of events:

Day 1.

  • Conference Opening Formalities
  1. Members presentation on Activities and programs
  2. Donors intervention briefing
  3. Presentations
  • Paper presentation sessions on key topics and Light talks
  • Breakout sessions on thematic areas
  • Exhibitions and displays

Day 2

  • Capacity Building Workshop.
  • Light Talk-Future of CSACEFA for all
  • Development of Communiqué and Press conference

 Budget and Financing

The Conference will be financed with support from the Nigeria Partnership for Education Project through the World Bank and the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for all (CSACEFA). The finances will cover the following;

  1. Conference hall
  2. Payment of Honorariums, for paper presenters
  3. Accommodations,
  4. Tea and Lunch break for participants and presenters
  5. Production of workshop materials
  6. Support Communication and secretariat planning and logistics
  7. Payment for media and publicity

   

CSACEFA National Civil Society Education Conference (CNEC)

Agenda

Time Agenda Note
08:00 – 09:00 Arrival/ Registration Secretariat
09:00 – 09:30 Opening Ceremony ·      

  •  Introduction of the program by the MC
  •   Introduction of Dignitaries
  •   National Prayer
  •  National Anthem
 MC / Conference Hall
09:30 – 10:00  Remarks

  • Welcome Speech: Kabiru Aliyu (National Moderator,
  • About CSACEFA: Professor Tom Miyashi (Member BOT)
 Conference Hall
10:00- 10:30 Goodwill Messages/ interventions

  •  World Bank
  •   UNICEF
  •  USAID
  • MacArthur Foundation and Others
  • Federal Ministry of Education
 Conference Hall
10:30 – 10: 45  Presentations ·    

     CSACEFA Grass Root intervention

1.    Augusta Impact (SDGs)

2.  Peter Iorapuu

3. Drama/ Side event

 Conference Hall
Key Note

  • Prof. M.B. Shittu (Bayero University Kano
 Conference Hall
Declaration of conference open

  • Permanent Secretary (FMoE)
Group Photograph ( All Participants)
11:30 – 12:00 Tea Break Restaurant
Panel Discussion
12:00 – 1:45 Thematic Group ·    

  • Inclusive Education and Early Childhood ·  
  • SDGs and Community Mobilization
  • Gender and Education
  • Youth Involvement and Participation ·
  • Advocacy and Governance
 Break Out
2:00 – 2:30 Lunch Restaurant
2:30 – 3:30: Plenary

  • Presentation By Groups
  • Light talks and Discussions  
 Conference Hall
3:30 – 4:00 Closing ·         Vote of Thanks ·         Announcements Conference Hall
Day 2
08:00 – 09:00 Arrival and Registration Secretariat
09:00 – 09:30 Opening ·        

  • National Prayers ·        
  • National Anthem ·       
  •   Introduction of Program and activities
 Conference Hall
09: 30 – 11:00 Work Shop and Capacity Building

  • Strategic Advocacy for CSOs
Conference Hall
11:00 – 11:30 Tea Break Restaurant
11:30 -2:00  Work Shop and Capacity Building

  • Strategic Monitoring and Evaluation  for CSOs
 Conference Hall
2:00 -3:00 Lunch  Break Restaurant
3:00 – 4:30 Plenary

  • Light Talk and Discussion
  • Presentation and Adoption of Communique
 Conference Hall
4:30 – 5:00 Closing ·        

  • Vote of Thanks ·
  • Departure
 Conference Hall

CSACEFA National Moderator Meets with National Youth Coalition for Education Coordinator

CSACEFA National Moderator Meets with National Youth Coalition for Education Coordinator

The national Moderator of the civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All (CSACEFA) met with the NYCE coordinator Ms Debora Ojonwa in Abuja. The meeting which held at the national secretariat of CSACEFA had in attendance the North East Zonal Coordinator Hajiya Labaika, the FCT Coordinator Mr. Abanka Musa, and the CSACEFA Secretariat staff.

Briefing the National Moderator, the NYCE coordinator said the coalition was aimed at bringing youths and youth led organizations together to be able to contribute to education as National development issues in Nigeria, she also said that the Youth coalition was formed by CSACEFA in collaboration with the Connected development (CODE) in 2014.

She also said that after the formation, the youth group has not been able to do much due to the non-availability of funds but has been participating in various programs of CSACEFA especially in the areas of marking international events and programs.

Responding the national Moderator of CSACEFA appreciated the NYCE coordinator for the efforts in keeping the Youth Coalition together over the years. He said the visit was timely as the coalition has started looking inward to see how the Youth led organizations in Nigeria focusing in the area of education can be brought together under one umbrella like CSACEFA stating that this has become necessary as the Global Campaign for Education is looking at engaging youths in all countries to campaign for education, he laso said the GCE is considering youths to be members of the GCE Board.

The moderator assured the Ms. Debora that CSACEFA will come up with the strategies to ensure that youths working in the area of education are given a platform to contribute to education issues at the coalition level t participate in decision making of the coalition.

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