A 300-level Law student from the University of Abuja, Mr. Adeyemi Sky, has emerged victorious in the Amnesty International and French Embassy Debate competition for students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The debate, organized by Amnesty International in partnership with the French Embassy, commemorated the 2024 International Law Day and focused on advocating the right to education.
Promoting Human Rights and Education
Ms. Barbara Magaji, Programme Manager at Amnesty International, highlighted the significance of the event during her address on Tuesday in Abuja. She emphasized that every child has the right to education, regardless of their location or economic background.
“Today is the International Law Day, and to commemorate it with the French Embassy in Nigeria, we have partnered to organize this debate,” she stated.
Magaji noted that Amnesty International is committed to promoting human rights and believes that the debate would enhance legal knowledge and raise awareness on human rights issues. She described the competition as a platform for students to engage in critical discussions that challenge the status quo and propose actionable solutions regarding educational rights.
The Importance of Education as a Right
She further explained that certain rights, including access to education, should not be seen as privileges but as entitlements that should be demanded. “Education is one of such rights which should be demanded, especially by young people,” Magaji asserted.
Magaji also advocated for the availability of education beyond urban centers, stressing that it should be accessible to all individuals, regardless of their location or social status.
Global Recognition of Education as a Human Right
Ketty Ris, Cooperation Attaché at the French Embassy, echoed Magaji’s sentiments, reinforcing that education is a fundamental human right recognized worldwide.
This event not only celebrated legal knowledge but also underscored the ongoing fight for educational rights, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for all students across Nigeria.