The wife of the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, Dr. Lydia Odedeji, has called for the declaration of a state of emergency in Nigeria’s education sector.
She warned that the growing population of out-of-school children poses a grave threat to national stability.
This was according to a statement shared with PUNCH Online on Saturday, titled, “Bishop’s wife calls for a state of emergency in education sector.”
Delivering her presidential address at the 26th Annual Women’s Conference of the Diocese in Ipaja, Lagos, Odedeji, on Friday, described the crisis as “a ticking time bomb” that must be urgently defused.
Citing UNICEF data, she revealed that over 10.2 million children of primary school age and 8.1 million at the junior secondary level are currently out of school — the highest figure in the world.
Poverty and insecurity, she stressed, remain the key drivers.
“This is a keg of gunpowder. If not addressed, the explosion may be severe and will consume even those shielded by security escorts,” she warned, urging lawmakers to enact legislation that tackles the crisis head-on.
While commending the Federal Government’s student loan scheme for university undergraduates, Odedeji pressed for stronger interventions at the basic level, including free education for children in primary and secondary schools.
Turning to the family unit, the bishop’s wife linked parental failure to rising youth crime and delinquency.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Do not give place to the Enemy,” she said, “Catch them young for God,” describing mothers as front line builders of a peaceful and productive society.
She urged mothers to embrace godly parenting.
On politics, she expressed concern over the early build-up to the 2027 elections, warning that governance risks being overshadowed by political manoeuvring.
She also called for greater female participation in politics, insisting, “their voices are critical in shaping Nigeria’s future.”
Earlier, the Diocesan Bishop, James Odedeji, charged women to resist the enemy’s influence in their lives.
Quoting scripture, he reminded delegates that Satan operates only when given permission, listing weakness, gossip, sin, fear, and doubt as common entry points.
“The antidote is to put on the full armour of God, stay rooted in His Word, pray without ceasing, and guard your hearts jealously,” the bishop declared.
The three-day conference, held at the Caroline Adebiyi Women’s Conference Centre, drew over 1,000 delegates from archdeaconries across the diocese.
Highlights included a health lecture on sleep and wellness delivered by Mrs. Oluremi Awe, Bible study sessions, and discussions on contemporary social issues.
Dignitaries in attendance included the wife of the Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Mrs. Olabo Johnson; the wife of the Bishop of Ijebu Diocese, Mrs. Bimbola Oludipe; the Dean of the Cathedral, the Ven. Dr. Ebenezer Adewole; and Life Patron for the Diocesan Women, Otunba Atoyebi Oyeleke, among others.
