Nigeria is committed to achieving the 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, assured on Monday in Abuja.

Adamu made the commitment in his address at the 2016 Commonwealth Day Celebration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SDGs are a new, universal set of goals, targets and indicators for UN member states.

Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu

UN member states are expected to use SDGs to frame their agenda and political policies over the next 15 years.
SDG is an expansion on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), agreed by governments in 2001 that expired in 2015.

He said that as a member of the Commonwealth, Nigeria was determined to adding value to its citizens through the provision of quality education at all levels.

“We are committed to implementing and achieving the 16 SDGs, especially SDG 4 and its 10 strategic targets which have direct bearing on the education of the child and vulnerable including persons with special needs.

“We are committed to creating a safe environment for teaching and learning throughout the entire education landscape-formal and non-formal, public and private, from pre-school up to tertiary level.

“Nigeria is committed to pursuing and achieving the six important goals of Education for All (EFA).

“The Universal Basic Education(UBE) Act, 2004 emphasises and stipulates compulsory education for all Nigerian children of school age, irrespective of their differences and diverse needs,’’ he said.

Adamu said that the theme of the 2016 celebration: “An Inclusive Commonwealth’’, was apt and underscored the values of tolerance, respect and understanding among committee of nations.

Earlier in her welcome address, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, said the Commonwealth Charter had set out 16 core values and principles which had been defined at different stages.

She said the charter re-affirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to democracy, human right, peace and security.

“The Nigerian education sector is committed to achieving universal basic education by expanding and improving early childhood care and education.

“It is determined to eliminating gender disparity and achieving gender equality in education,’’ she said.

In a message, the Queen of England and Head of Commonwealth, urged members of the body to make a positive difference in the lives of others by being willing to contribute and offer support.

The queen’s message was read by Mrs Justina Ibe, Director of Education Support Services of the ministry of education.

According to the queen, the essential ingredient of belonging to the Commonwealth is the willingness to share and exchange acts for the common good.

The Commonwealth was formed in 1949 as an intergovernmental body of 53 member states that were formerly under the British Empire.