The Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) has called on the federal and state governments to declare a state of emergency in the country’s education sector, citing the urgent need for a complete overhaul from primary to tertiary levels.

NBC President, Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji, made the call during a press briefing in Lagos ahead of the Convention’s 112th annual session scheduled for April 26 to May 1 at the Baptist International Convention Centre.

Speaking to journalists, Dr. Akanji emphasized that declaring a state of emergency would help restore normalcy and drive crucial reforms needed to rescue the education system. He decried the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria and underscored the importance of modernizing tertiary education curricula to produce both employable and self-sufficient graduates.

“We call on all tiers of government to declare a state of emergency on the education sector to ensure an overhaul and restore normalcy,” Akanji stated. “This will help us reduce the percentage of out-of-school children and address the many crises plaguing our tertiary institutions.”

He also urged the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to step up measures to safeguard students and prevent the frequent abduction of schoolchildren, particularly in public institutions.

“We call on the Civil Defence Corps to rise to the security threat facing our public schools and stop the incessant abductions of our children,” he added.

The NBC president also used the occasion to commend President Bola Tinubu for his initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment and tackling the “japa” syndrome—Nigeria’s ongoing wave of youth emigration. He, however, stressed the need for sustained and visible efforts to address the root causes of youth disenchantment and joblessness.

The press conference was also part of activities marking the 175th anniversary of Baptist work in Nigeria, a milestone Akanji described as a testament to the enduring impact of the Baptist mission in the country.