It has been stressed that education is most effective when young people are not only learners, but active partners in shaping the system.

The assertion was made by the Bauchi State Commissioner of Education, Dr Lawal Mohammed Rimin-Zayan, in a keynote address he delivered on Saturday on the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of Education with the theme ‘The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education’.

He said, “Education is the foundation of national development. However, for our education system to remain strong, relevant, and future-ready, it must reflect the voices, creativity, and energy of the youth it serves.

“This year’s theme reminds us that young people today are innovators, digital creators, peer educators, and community leaders. When we involve them in school governance, learning design, innovation, and advocacy, education becomes more meaningful and responsive to real-life challenges.

“As a government, we believe that youth participation strengthens accountability, improves learning outcomes, and builds leadership for tomorrow. That is why we continue to promote platforms that encourage student voice, youth engagement, digital learning, and inclusive participation.

“In co-creating education, we must also ensure inclusion, reaching girls, learners living with disabilities, and children in vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities. Every young person deserves not only access to education, but the opportunity to contribute to shaping it.

“We appreciate the strong collaboration with UNICEF and school Communities who continue to support innovation, inclusion, and system strengthening in our education sector.

“As we mark this important day, I call on all stakeholders to continue investing in youth leadership, safe learning spaces, and inclusive learning opportunities because when youth are empowered,
education thrives.

“In conclusion, let us remember that the future of education cannot be designed for young people without young people. Together, let us harness the power of youth to co-create an education system that leaves no one behind.”

Speaking earlier, Education Specialist with Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ado Abdulrahman Ibrahim, stressed the importance of education as it shapes the future of the society.

He added that digital education promotes self-reliance and confidence-building among the youth; therefore, young people should seek education at all costs.

The UNICEF Education Specialist emphasised active participation in the education system, tasking the government on the need to create a conducive atmosphere for quality education for the young people.

He assured that UNICEF will continue to support the state government in ensuring that a conducive atmosphere for quality education is provided in the state.

In her goodwill message, the Project Coordinator, Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Bauchi State, Ladi Hamma Mohammed, extended warm goodwill messages to the Government and people of Bauchi State, development partners, education stakeholders, teachers, parents, and the youths on the commemoration of 2026 International Day of Education under the theme ‘The Power of Youths in Co-Creating Education’, with the sub-theme ‘Exploring Girl Child Education in an Evolving AI Era’.

She said, “This year’s theme highlights the transformative role of young people as co-creators of education systems that are inclusive, innovative, and responsive to contemporary challenges.

“In a rapidly changing world driven by digital advancement and artificial intelligence, the active participation of youths, particularly girls, is critical to shaping learning environments that promote equity, creativity, and lifelong learning.

“The sub-theme draws attention to the urgent need to safeguard and advance girl-child education amid emerging technologies.

“While artificial intelligence presents immense opportunities for improving access, quality, and delivery of education, it also calls for deliberate efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure that girls are not left behind. Empowering the girl child with relevant digital skills, safe learning spaces, and equal opportunities remains fundamental to sustainable development.

“AGILE Bauchi remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting government efforts to improve access to quality education for adolescent girls, strengthen education systems, and promote skills development that prepare young people for the future of work in a technology-driven world.

“As we mark this important day, I call on all stakeholders, government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, educators, parents, civil society organisations, and development partners, to continue investing in youth engagement and girl-child education, while responsibly harnessing technology to enhance learning outcomes.

“Together, let us empower our youths and girls to not only participate in education but to actively shape its future.”

Highlights of the celebration was the exhibition of technological inventions by some of the students to demonstrate their skills in going with the digital world in education.

They also engaged in discussions and educational interactions on the importance of digital education, its challenges and solutions for overcoming the challenges