On Monday, 26 January 2026, Initiatives for Social Inclusion and Grassroots Literacy (ISGIL), in collaboration with Sisi Educational Foundation (SEF), commemorated the International Day of Education 2026 at Primeville Preparatory School, located along SCC Road in Ushafa, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The four-hour programme was organized under the theme “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education.” It brought together students, educators, civil society organizations, and key stakeholders to foster dialogue on the role of young people in shaping inclusive and sustainable education systems.
The programme commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Oluwayomi Owoseye, Founder of ISGIL, who emphasized the urgent need to reposition young people from passive recipients of educational policies to active partners in educational reform and innovation. She noted that empowering youth voices is critical to building responsive and future-ready education systems.
The host school principal, Mr. Noble Nwobi, welcomed participants and acknowledged the presence of the partner organizations. He commended their effectiveness and consistent dedication to youth-centered educational development.
Special remarks were delivered on behalf of the Chairman of the Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, by his representative Hon. Chief Samuel F. Gimba, who praised the collaborative efforts of the participating organizations in advancing education at the grassroots level. He encouraged students to take full advantage of educational opportunities available to them and to view education as a powerful tool for shaping their future and contributing meaningfully to society.
The programme featured a keynote address by Mrs. Maureen Kambai titled “Youth as Partners, Not Beneficiaries.” In her presentation, she highlighted the importance of participatory approaches that empower students as active contributors to educational solutions rather than mere beneficiaries of policies and interventions.
Participating schools further reinforced the event’s theme through a range of student-driven activities, including talk shows, quiz competitions, and creative presentations. These sessions showcased the creativity, critical thinking, and leadership potential of young people when given meaningful platforms to express their ideas.
A second keynote presentation was delivered by Aisha Babaji, Founder of SEF. Her address focused on practical pathways for youth-led community transformation through education, civic engagement, and advocacy. She encouraged students to recognize their capacity to influence positive change within their communities.
The event concluded with an interactive engagement session, followed by awards and gift presentations to participating students and schools. The programme ended with closing remarks by Luqman Gidado, who reaffirmed the collective commitment of all stakeholders to strengthening youth participation in education and sustaining collaborative efforts that advance inclusive and transformative learning opportunities.
