How education can save the world

Disturbing social, environmental and economic challenges have today placed the global community on the brink of total collapse. These range from global warming, insecurity, terrorism, corruption and human rights abuses and their consequences, e.g unemployment and mass poverty. Unless ignorance which is at the root of these problems is selflessly addressed through proactive, sustainable education, […]

Disturbing social, environmental and economic challenges have today placed the global community on the brink of total collapse. These range from global warming, insecurity, terrorism, corruption and human rights abuses and their consequences, e.g unemployment and mass poverty.
Unless ignorance which is at the root of these problems is selflessly addressed through proactive, sustainable education, they would only escalate rather than abate.
For instance, the US owns 13 of the 20 best universities in the world, according to QS World University Rankings and, in 2009, had 10% of her population in the university system.
By contrast, Nigeria had only 0.35% of her population in the university system in 2009. Hence, the US has minimal share of the identified global problems while Nigeria has a huge share.
Education has the potency to address the world’s problems and engender positive changes as in many folds.
It reduces unemployment and poverty. Aptly described as a behavioral disease by the World Health Organization, poverty is the greatest social burden in the world today. Lying at the root of poverty is endemic ignorance.
Education empowers individuals to be employable, and more poised to be job creators rather than job seekers. Hence, they earn more, employ others and enhance better livelihoods for subsequent generations.
Education facilitates mechanized agriculture to enhance the availability and affordability of food crops, cotton and timber. These in turn abate hunger and boost clothing and shelter.
Finally, education improves the security situation. Ignorance makes people susceptible to criminal activities. It engenders reduction in crime wave as it enlightens and engages the youth that are being used to brew violence.