The need to introduce reproductive health in national school curricula has become a source of concern to youths of Taraba State.In an interactive session with The Guardian after the International Youth Day marked on Monday, August 12, the youths urged government at all levels to make education more “relevant, equitable and inclusive for youths in the state and the nation at large.”
They believed that the demand, if adhered to, would not only lead to the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but would also assist in addressing the challenges posed by population explosion in the country.State chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Udi Adamu, said: “The International Youth Day gives us the opportunity to examine how governments, young people and focused organisations, as well as other stakeholders, are transforming education.”
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Statistics, according to him, brings to the front-burner that most youths in rural communities are finding it difficult to complete secondary school because of low income and other variables.
Making case for displaced youths, Adamu said: “Our hearts bleed for youths who are today in various internally-displaced persons (IDP) camps. They cannot go to school as a result of farmers and herders’ crisis which still lingers.”He called on the Federal Government “to be proactive on issues concerning the protection of lives and property of the citizens.”
Adamu, however, admonished the youths to shun all forms of sentiments, but unite and support the present administration in its laudable policies.He warned that depending on politicians, who would dump them after achieving their political goals, would be inimical to national development.
Representatives of various youth organisations in the state at the event were optimistic of a better future, considering the positive steps taken by some incumbent leaders.Though the leadership of the state, as observed by The Guardian, seemed not interested in activities marking this year’s International Youth Day, the youths were not deterred, as they seemed determined to take their destinies in the hands.(The Guardian)
