Education as a Universal Right: Idealism or Necessity?

Growing up in Nigeria, I’ve seen both the power of education and the pain that comes with not having access to it. I’ve watched some of my closest friends drop out of school, not because they weren’t smart or driven, but because their families just couldn’t afford it. Sometimes, it wasn’t even about the actual school fees. It was about the little things—transport fare, textbooks, uniforms, or even just the cost of food during the day. These things add up, and for many families, it becomes a question of survival over schooling.

So when people ask, “Should quality education be a universal right, free for all, no matter a country’s wealth?” my answer is a straight yes. Not because it’s easy to make happen, but because it’s necessary. Education is not a luxury. It’s a lifeline. And until the world starts treating it as such, we’ll keep seeing the same patterns of poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment repeating themselves.

Now, I understand why some people might say it’s not realistic. After all, schools don’t run on air. Teachers need to be paid, classrooms need maintenance, materials cost money, and in some parts of the world, even basic infrastructure like electricity or water isn’t guaranteed. So yes, offering free quality education everywhere sounds like a big dream. But I believe it’s a dream worth chasing.

Education is more than just what we learn in books. It shapes how we see the world, how we think, how we interact with others, and how we tackle the problems around us. When people are educated, they’re more likely to make informed decisions, whether it’s about their health, their careers, or their communities. They’re more likely to vote wisely, stand up for their rights, and contribute positively to society. When education is denied, the opposite happens. People are left vulnerable to exploitation, ignorance, and hopelessness.

I think about the kids in rural areas who have never seen a computer or used the internet. I think about the young girl who dreams of becoming a doctor but is being forced into marriage because her parents can’t afford to keep her in school. I think about the boy who wants to build machines but is stuck selling snacks on the roadside. These are not stories from a movie. These are real people around us every day.

If education becomes a universal right, a lot of these stories can change. And I don’t mean just giving people access to schools, I mean access to quality education. There’s a difference. A school without trained teachers, proper materials, or a safe environment is just a building. Quality education should prepare students not just for exams, but for life. It should teach them how to think, not just what to think.

And this shouldn’t be the sole responsibility of governments, especially in poorer countries. I believe this is something the whole world should care about. International organizations, private businesses, and even individuals who have the means can all play a role. Some companies spend millions on advertising or luxury perks. Imagine what that kind of money could do for education in underdeveloped areas. It’s not about charity. It’s about investing in people. Because when people are educated, everybody benefits in the long run.

Of course, there will be obstacles. Corruption, bad leadership, poor management, these things are real. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. We have tackled difficult issues before as humans. And we can do it again if we truly believe that no child should be denied the chance to learn because of where they were born.

We also need to stop seeing education as just another item on the national budget. It should be a top priority. An educated population is a productive population. It’s as simple as that. The countries that have moved forward in technology, innovation, and healthcare didn’t get there by accident. They invested heavily in their people through education.

So is free quality education for all a crazy idea? Maybe. But so were airplanes, mobile phones, and the internet at one point. Progress always starts with an idea that seems too big. But if we keep telling ourselves it’s impossible, we’ll never take the steps needed to make it possible.

In the end, the real question is not whether we can afford to provide free education for everyone. The real question is whether we can afford not to.