Gbajabiamila declares education national emergency, launches loan fund
Nigeria's Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila declared education a national emergency at the 2026 International Day for Education conference, emphasizing it's not just policy but existential for the country's future. With over 20 million children out of school - the world's highest number - he stressed education is the bridge between potential and productivity. During his tenure as Speaker, Gbajabiamila sponsored the Students' Loans Bill which President Tinubu signed into law, establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to ensure access based on merit, not privilege. The fund aims to address financial barriers to tertiary education. Gbajabiamila commended the House for prioritizing education reform and oversight, noting the 10th Assembly's urgency in strengthening accountability. Stakeholders called for practical solutions to improve funding efficiency, curriculum relevance, and digital skills integration, while highlighting teacher welfare and security challenges disrupting schooling. The conference, held in February due to legislative recess, aimed to move beyond speeches to actionable recommendations for Nigeria's education system.