By Nnamdi Ojiego
Government of Finland has urged Nigerian government to provide free and equal access to education to all her citizens if the country must achieve its aim of becoming one of the twenty most developed countries of the world.

The Finland Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Anneli Vuorinen made this call while speaking on the topic “ Unfolding a Future without Limit”, during the 2nd reunion Luncheon of the New Era Foundation, NEF, and the Council of One- Day Governors, at the MUSON Center, Onikan, Lagos, recently.

She said her country was able to be among the developed countries because, the Finnish government has strongly favoured education. According to her, Finland education was considered to be a basic right to every citizen because, all Finnish realised that education could improve their quality of life and help develop their nation.

“In the Finland education system, one of the most important principles is to offer equal education opportunities for all children, including people with disabilities, irrespective of their sex, economic situation, or linguistic and cultural background.

“To guarantee the same rights to education, the basic education is completely free of charge. This applies to all instruction, school materials, school meals, health care, commuting and special needs that may occur. Our education system puts lots of emphasis on the wellbeing of students and pupil- centered teaching”, she explained while urging Nigerian Leaders to emulate Finland in making education free to all citizens.

“I would like to emphasize the responsibility of political decision-makers to create a conducive environment for the education sector, for investment in education is an investment in the future. Again, a country cannot afford not to educate its children nor to give equal treatment and opportunities to every child.”

Vuorinen, who was the guest speaker at the event commended the NEF for its effort to giving learning opportunities to young Nigerians, and as well, congratulated all the winners of One- Day Governor, some of whom were sponsored by New Era to study in Finland.

Also speaking, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Sosan said the State Government was not relenting in its efforts to improve access to education for all citizens and in making sure that facilities that would ensure performance were in place.

She said the on- going free education in the state, construction and renovations of schools, provision of modern laboratories were some of the ways government was providing access to education. This according to her, has increased the literacy level in the state, stressing that education is a sure legacy every responsive government should give to its people.

While commending the founder of New Era Foundation, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu for her laudable initiative which she said, has engendered a lot of hard work among the students, the deputy governor disclosed that the state government was partnering with the foundation to improve access and quality of education in the school.

Responding, the host and President of NEF, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu disclosed that when she came into office as the first lady in 1999, education system was in shamble. This she said motivated her into doing something to salvage the situation.