As the world marked the International Day of Education 2026 under the theme: “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education,” SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria has called for a deeper national reflection on what it truly means to educate, empower, and prepare Nigeria’s next generation.
SOSCVN in a press release signed by its National Director, Eghosa Erhumwunse to commemorate the Day said that in a country with one of the largest youth populations in the world, education remains both Nigeria’s greatest opportunity and its most urgent challenge.
The organization said that while progress has been recorded in expanding access to schooling, revising the national curriculum, strengthening teacher training, and improving learning environments, the reality remains sobering noting that millions of children and young people were still out of school, and many more learn in classrooms that were under-resourced, overcrowded, or disconnected from the realities of their lives and future aspirations.
According to SOSCVN, “Over the years, deliberate efforts have been made to improve the physical and learning conditions of schools through the reconstruction and renovation of education infrastructure, the supply of essential learning materials, improved water, sanitation and hygiene, WASH, facilities, as well as the continuous training and retraining of teachers to strengthen learning outcomesI.”
It stated that these interventions remain critical foundations for quality education. However, infrastructure alone does not guarantee meaningful learning, just as curriculum reform without relevance does not inspire ownership.
The organization stated that when education systems fail to harness the lived experiences, creativity, and ideas of young people, learning risks becoming distant and disengaging adding that this was why the 2026 theme is both timely and necessary.
It noted that education becomes stronger, more relevant, and more sustainable when young people were recognized as co-creators rather than passive recipients.
“Globally, evidence shows that meaningful youth involvement, through participatory curriculum design, peer learning, youth-led research, and advisory roles—improves learning outcomes and deepens ownership. For Nigeria, this is not optional.
“Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 will require more than infrastructure and policy reforms; it will demand a deliberate cultural shift that embeds youth voice, innovation, and leadership at the heart of education transformation.
“This belief is actively being translated into practice by SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, which continues to champion youth-led approaches to education and sustainable development alongside investments in safe learning spaces, teacher capacity building, and access to essential learning resources,” the statement explained.
SOSCVN noted that through the Eco Champions platform, young people were equipped not only with knowledge, but with the tools, confidence, and agency to design solutions that respond to real challenges within their communities.
It cited; “One such example is the Eco Sustainable Future initiative led by an Eco Champion in Calabar. Recognising the gap between climate education and practical action, she developed a Climate Playbook designed to support self-learning and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing during and beyond her project cycle.
“A total of 400 copies of the Climate Playbook were produced, with 360 copies distributed to students across eight secondary schools in Calabar, while 40 copies were donated to school libraries to ensure long-term access and continued learning.
“Beyond the numbers, the true impact of the playbook emerged through qualitative feedback from students. Many learners expressed excitement about sections that provided clear, practical steps on upcycling waste into reusable bags and footstools—an approach that enabled them to immediately connect climate knowledge with hands-on action, creativity, and potential livelihood opportunities.
“In this context, the Climate Playbook evolved into more than an educational resource; it became a tool for behavioural change, youth empowerment, leadership development, and a meaningful contribution to Nigeria’s broader efforts to nurture environmentally conscious, action-driven young stewards within their communities.
“Co-creation brings learning to life. It bridges theory and practice and nurtures problem-solvers who are invested in the wellbeing and future of their communities.”
The organization said that as Nigeria continues its journey toward achieving SDG 4, scaling such youth-led, context-responsive initiatives—alongside sustained investments in infrastructure, teacher development, learning materials, and safe school environments, will be critical.
“This includes institutionalising youth participation in education planning, investing in digital, green, and vocational skills, and creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can influence decisions that shape their learning experiences and futures,” SOSCVN concluded.
On this International Day of Education, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria called on government, development partners, educators, and the private sector to move beyond rhetoric and commit to genuine partnership with young people.
It added that education systems that listen to youth, learn from them, and build alongside them are better positioned to deliver equity, relevance, and long-term impact further stating that the power of education was amplified when it was co-created and the future of Nigeria’s education depends on how boldly we embrace this truth today.
