Education Platforms for National Development: A Case of The Platform Nigeria

Some years back, as a young brilliant boy, I was used to getting glued to the TV set whenever debate programs were aired. I have a sweet reminiscence of programs like SpeakOut and Schools Challenge. Today’s media is populated with entertainment without educating substance. Education platforms that provide a space for youths to engage in debates and have a voice are of paramount importance in today's world. These platforms serve as crucibles for fostering critical thinking, empowerment, and active citizenship among young individuals. The significance of such platforms extends beyond personal growth; they have the potential to propel national development and harness the energy and ideas of the youth population. This was exactly part of what programs like The Platform Nigeria offer.

?The Platform Nigeria | Powered by THE COVENANT NATION is a non-political and non-partisan national development fair that is held as a global media event on Workers’ Day (May 1) and Nigeria’s Independence Day (October 1). The Platform has grown to be an unparalleled education voice that speaks to culture, politics, policies, and business within Nigeria and beyond. The Platform hosts speakers from the highest levels of the nation’s leadership and leaders in global policy practice. I see the work done yearly at The Covenant Nation through The Platform since its inception as a cardinal to national development. The Platform provides opportunities for lifelong learning and a call to sensitize our collective national consciousness on critical issues.

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The theme of the Platform Nigeria for October 2023 was Africa Rising Continent-Nigeria’s Strategic Roles. Pastor Poju Oyemade, the convener of the Platform, who is also the Senior Pastor and Founder of The Covenant Nation was the keynote speaker at the event. Other speakers are:

• ?Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Hassan Kukah;
• ?The Special Adviser to the President on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Dr Jumoke Oduwole;
• ?The General Overseer of International Central Gospel Church, Pastor Mensa Otabil.
• ?Renowned human rights activist and Director, Kenya School of Law, Prof. Patrick Lumumba;
• ?Former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr Joe Abah;
• ?The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani;
• ?Multiple award-winning movie director/producer, Bolanle Austen-Peters among others.
• ?Dr. Modupe Adefeso-Olateju, Managing Director of The Education Partnership Centre (TEP Centre), Nigeria’s pioneer education partnership organization
• ?Vusi Thembekwayo, Global Authority, Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author, Business Mogul and Serial Entrepreneur.

?And many more.

?????????? Having brilliant minds on the roll to speak to the populace, a larger percentage of which are youth, is a national blessing! The highlight of the platform for me was the University Debate. Listening to the grand finale debaters from the University of Ibadan and The University of Ilorin, bestowed a brilliant smile on my face. There is indeed hope for Nigeria! We need more platforms like this that give the youth the opportunity to propel their voices and give utterances to their innovative minds. The debate was on ‘Nigeria's longstanding as the Giant of Africa is no longer tenable’. It was amazing to see how deep our youths are and I am glad to see young patriotic Nigerians expressing their hope, believing in the possibilities of a great nation. Here are transcripts of some lines from the debaters:

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‘Whoever wins this debate is the side that agrees that we have fallen as a nation, and embraces the need for a solution, and that is exactly what we are here to do.

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?‘It is amazing that I am standing here to tell you the story of Nigeria’s greatness that my father told me. But what story of greatness would I be able to tell my children.’

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?‘Many of the youth today cannot relate to the story of Nigeria’s greatness. We should not embrace past glory but recognize that there is a problem; and in this lies the solution

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?‘Potentials without opportunity would become redundant. Talking about potentials without identifying how it impacts our development is like explaining and explaining without evidence’

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Words like these proceeding from the heart of Nigeria youths should point our attention to the vast amount of untapped resources and energy locked within our young populace. Therefore, education platforms like the Platform Nigeria can make a substantial difference by:

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Fostering Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Education platforms that encourage debates and discussions equip young people with the skills necessary to analyze complex issues, consider multiple perspectives, and arrive at well-informed decisions. These critical thinking skills are essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges that societies face in the modern world.

?Promoting Civic Engagement: Engaging in debates and discussions on education platforms encourages young individuals to become active participants in their communities and the political process. When youths have a voice and are encouraged to express their opinions, they are more likely to develop a sense of civic responsibility and contribute to their nation's development.

?Amplifying Youth Voices: The energy, creativity, and innovative ideas of young people are invaluable resources for any nation. Education platforms that provide a space for youth voices to be heard can help tap into this immense potential. By listening to and valuing their perspectives, society can benefit from fresh ideas and solutions to pressing issues. When youth have a voice and when we make them believe they matter, catastrophic issues that result from the End-SARs protest will be averted.

?Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity: These platforms create inclusive spaces where youths from diverse backgrounds can come together to exchange ideas and learn from one another. This diversity of thought is a powerful tool for promoting tolerance, empathy, and understanding among young people, which can contribute to social cohesion and harmony.

?Skill Development: Debates and discussions on education platforms help develop essential life skills such as communication, research, public speaking, and persuasion. These skills are not only beneficial for personal growth but also for future career prospects and leadership roles in society.

?Policy and Decision-Making Influence: When young people are actively engaged in debates and discussions, they can influence policies and decisions that directly affect their lives. Their input can lead to more informed and effective policies, as well as a stronger sense of ownership and accountability among the youth.

?Addressing Youth Concerns: These platforms provide a direct channel for young individuals to voice their concerns and suggest solutions. Whether it's issues related to education, employment, healthcare, or the environment, giving youths a platform to express their views can lead to policies and initiatives that better cater to their needs.

?Building Future Leaders: Education platforms that encourage debate and dialogue can help identify and nurture future leaders. Young individuals who develop strong communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and a commitment to social change are more likely to assume leadership roles in various sectors, driving national development forward.

?Congratulations to the team University of Ilorin for winning the debate and for going home with N 2,500,000 + 2 Laptops. Better by far…. If you know, you know. The University of Ibadan, the runner-up got N1, 5000,000 + 2 Laptops, while the University of Lagos, the second runner-up got N 1000,000 + 2 Laptops. Kudos to the organizer of the Platform and the crew that facilitated the debate stages among Nigerian university students. This is the way to go and more organisations need to take a cue from this. Our nation would benefit from strong education partnership strategies and programs that would raise the bar of reward for education programs like this. If we want our youths to embrace the positive, the positive has to be appealing!

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In conclusion, education platforms that promote debates and provide a voice to youths play a pivotal role in shaping the future of nations. By equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to engage actively in discussions and decision-making processes, these platforms contribute to individual growth and national development simultaneously. Embracing the energy and ideas of the youth population is not only beneficial but also essential for addressing the complex challenges of our time and building a brighter future for all. Congratulations to The Platform Nigeria and The Covenant Nation for another brilliant and impactful outing.

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Lanre Oguntoye is an Education Intrapreneur, Thought, Multiple -and winning Teacher. As an education research and innovation development enthusiast, he is currently studying for a Doctor of Education degree( Educational leadership-instructional Design) at Trident University International, United States.