By:Abdullahi Inuwa
Katsina State came alive with ideas, passion, and youthful determination on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, as young people took the driver’s seat to commemorate the International Day of Education (IDE) 2026) under the theme “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education.”
The event, held at the Katsina Guest Inn at 9:00am, was anchored on a bold and practical activity — a Youth-Led Education Lab — where youths and adolescents moved beyond discussions to co-design solutions for the future of education in the state.
Unlike conventional ceremonies, the Education Lab provided a vibrant platform for reflection, dialogue, and innovation. Drawing from their lived experiences as learners and young citizens, participants examined the gaps in the current education system and articulated what education should look like by 2030.
At the heart of the event was the unveiling of the Katsina Youth Declaration on the Future of Education by 2030, a forward-looking document capturing the collective voice, vision, and commitment of young people across the state.
The declaration envisions an inclusive, safe, and high-quality education system where every child and young person—regardless of gender, disability, background, or location—has equal opportunity to learn and thrive.
Youth participants called for strong collaboration among parents, caregivers, communities, NGOs, and government, stressing that education is a shared responsibility that begins at home and must be supported at every level.
Security and safety featured prominently in the discussions, with youths demanding schools free from violence, fear, and insecurity, where learners can express themselves freely and seek support without stigma or discrimination.
They also emphasized the urgent need for adequate and well-maintained infrastructure, including classrooms, libraries, laboratories, electricity, water, sanitation facilities, and safe transportation systems to and from school.
On teaching and learning, the youths called for qualified, well-trained, and motivated teachers, supported by modern tools and digital technologies. They stressed that increased digitalisation of education is essential to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
The declaration further highlighted the importance of structured mentorship and counselling services, advocating for programmes on leadership, tutoring, conflict resolution, nutrition education, career guidance, and targeted support for girls. According to the youths, by the time a learner reaches SS1, they should already be receiving guidance to make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.
In a strong rights-based appeal, participants demanded the full implementation of the Disability Act (2018) to ensure learners and teachers with disabilities enjoy equal access to education, facilities, and opportunities. They also called for targeted scholarships and educational support for vulnerable children, insisting that poverty should never be a barrier to education.
The declaration was facilitated by Zahra’u Rabiu, Umar Abdullahi, and Zainulabideen Abdulaziz, with support from Salim Wada Usman, whose roles helped translate youthful ideas into a clear and compelling call to action.
As the event concluded, the message from Katsina’s youths was unmistakable: they are not waiting to be invited into the future of education—they are already building it.
With their commitment to remain active partners in education reform, the IDE 2026 commemoration marked not just a global observance, but the rise of a youth-powered movement to ensure no one is left behind by 2030.
Issued at the International Day of Education (IDE) 2026 Commemoration, Katsina State, Nigeria.
