Students’ Role in The Attainment Sustainable Economic Development

Author: Precious Chibuike Ukaegbu | preciouscukaegbu@gmail.com

A Case-Study for Sustainable Development Goal 4–Quality Education 

On the 15th of September 2022, while researching project plans for my social impact idea, I discovered the SDGs: Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. As I meticulously perused each goal, I became interested in goals 1, 4, 5, and 8. However, Goal 4, Quality Education, struck me the most because it aligned closely with my impact idea and interests. 

This realisation filled me with adrenaline, and I felt instantly energised—the month after was spent critically analysing Goal 4 and its intersection with my passion. Three months later, Dream to Impact, a unified niche-based learning, mentorship, and skills development initiative with the vision to transform the lives of Nigerian students and invest in Nigeria’s abundant human capital, was born. 

It is quite evident that there is a positive correlation between education and economic growth. Research by Marquez-Ramos and Mourelle (2019) suggests that an increase in education positively affects GDP growth, raising productivity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and technological breakthroughs, all contributing to economic growth (Radcliffe, 2023). 

Moreover, education is not only a civil liberty but also an incentive for driving sustainable economic development and a pathway to addressing societal problems. Consequently, SDG 4 has been recognized as a way to aid the achievement of economic and socio-cultural advancements. 

While the obligation to achieve the sustainable development goal is seen often as lying in the hands of world leaders, policymakers, and organisations, this goal cannot be achieved without a collaborative societal effort. Everyone has a role to play, and students too can play a significant role in actualising this goal. 

How can students contribute to achieving SDG 4? 

The first step is acknowledging the problems that might hinder the achievement of this goal and working towards eradicating them. For example, in Nigeria, the “book na scam” mentality prevails among many youths, who view formal education as irrelevant to achieving their desired lifestyles. As a result, there is an urgent need to change the mindset of young Nigerians, many of who are limited by their environment and perceive no future where education leads to desired success. Initiatives like Dream to Impact, help in perception reformation. Through webinar sessions featuring industry professionals, students can be presented with positive role models to emulate, and be shown the amazing possibilities education offers. For a boost in morale, there needs to be more of showcasing than telling.

Secondly, students can contribute to achieving the SDG 4 by utilising technology and creativity to bring innovative ideas to light. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a transition to online education, highlighting the importance of digital technology. Students can create ventures that use technology to enhance learning experiences beyond existing platforms. For example, “My Study Pod,” a sister company of Dream to Impact, plans to revolutionise education by providing carefully curated lecture notes and supplementary resources and creating an inclusive platform for community engagement and immersive learning experiences. 

Additionally, educational activism can be used as a tool to spread the gospel of the SDG 4. Change agents like Malala Yousafzai and Ibrahim Zanna Sunoma use social media and online campaigns to advocate for education globally, particularly for marginalised groups. Through initiatives like the Malala Fund and Action Starts with Ibrahim, Yousafzai and Zanna, respectively, raise awareness and mobilise support for policy changes to improve access to education. 

Educational activism is not just a theoretical concept; it is a practical movement led by individuals effecting tangible change. As we celebrate these voices, it’s crucial to acknowledge that actions, whether at the grassroots or the international level, contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and empowering education system (Limited, 2024). 

Furthermore, because limited data availability in many countries poses a significant challenge to achieving SDG 4, students can help bridge this data gap by becoming active researchers gathering and analysing data. For instance, in Nigeria, with its 36 states, one federal capital territory, and 774 local government areas, each subdivided into smaller communities, students can take the initiative of collating education data in their respective communities. These grassroots’ efforts would critically improve data availability, each serving as building blocks for a more wholesome data pool, for evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation. 

Volunteering can also be used to catalyse the achievement of the sustainable development goal, moreover. By volunteering their skills and time to community development and educational initiative, students can join the cause. This could involve volunteering with organisations like Dream to Impact, Worldreader, and Good Work Foundation, or participating in literacy programs within their communities, tutoring peers and young children. 

You don’t need to work with international organisations like the United Nations to impact the educational sector; those actions which may seem trivial also count. For instance, in my little way, I help tutor my peers, organise weekly study sessions and provide supplementary study resources and notes for university-level economics, business, and quantitative courses for about 120 economics students at the Lagos State University.

The importance of student participation in ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education, as well as promoting lifelong learning for all, cannot be overstated. While a single droplet of water may seem insignificant, together, many droplets can form an ocean. Therefore, I urge all students to join the battle for a literate society and the fight for sustainable development. 

Your participation is invaluable, and together, we can make a phenomenal difference in crafting a better future for all. The call to action is clear: join the chorus of educational activists, entrepreneurs, researchers, volunteers and teachers, and be a part of shaping a brighter future for learners everywhere.