Senate calls for free and mandatory education for all Nigerians

-Reduction in iliteracy will lead to reduction in poverty level across the nation.

The Senate has on Tuesday firmly advocated for free and compulsory education for citizens at all levels.

In a motion sposored by Senator Ali Wakili (Bauchi South), the senate’s attention was called to the United Nations to commemorate International Day for the eradication of poverty, slated today, October 17.

Wakili said it is the responsibility of th government to educate her citizens.

About 112 million Nigerians (67.1% of the populace) currently live below poverty level, which requires urgent and prompt response from government.

To eradicate poverty, the Senate proposes that a high reduction in the level of illiteracy in the country via free and compulsory education at all levels would go a long way.

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The theme for this year’s commemoration, “Answering the call of October 17 to end poverty: A path towards peaceful and inclusive societies”, is a reminder to the critical challenge poverty is to leadership.

Senator Sani Shehu described poverty as a ” threat to peace, national security and the existence of the country,” adding that there is an impending revolution if the government refuses to address the issue of poverty.

Speaking earlier, Senator Jubrin Barau describes poverty as a “a weapon of mass destruction,” calling for an agricultural policy strategy that will boost food security and the economy.

The Senate therefore called on the Federal Government to effectively and as a matter of urgency drive its various policies and programmes aimed at alleviating and eradicating poverty.