The 36 state governors and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, have pledged their commitment to amending Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and addressing critical challenges in the education sector. During a meeting in Abuja between the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Kalu, participants emphasized the importance of collaboration to achieve meaningful reforms.
Kalu disclosed that the committee had identified 161 areas for potential constitutional amendments and highlighted the need for state-level engagement. He proposed a “one-stop shop” framework to streamline state and federal priorities in the review process, adding that lawmakers would visit states and geopolitical zones to gather public opinions.
Speaking to journalists, Kalu described the discussions as robust, noting that governors had made valuable contributions and reaffirmed their support for the constitutional review. He expressed hope that establishing a liaison desk between the National Assembly and the Governors’ Forum would improve coordination and ensure that state assemblies fulfill their roles in the amendment process.
The forum also held discussions with the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, on strategies to improve the education system. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani outlined key proposals, including enhanced collaboration between federal and state governments, improving girl-child education, integrating vocational training, and leveraging data and technology to address learning poverty and out-of-school children, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions. Governors expressed their commitment to aligning efforts with the Federal Government and development partners to address these challenges and achieve quality education goals.
Kalu clarified that tax reforms were not a primary focus of the discussions, explaining that they would undergo critical review by Parliament to align with the people’s interests.
As the constitutional review progresses, governors and lawmakers remain committed to strengthening Nigeria’s legal framework while addressing pressing national challenges. This collaborative approach underscores their dedication to fostering reforms for a more effective governance structure and improved education outcomes.