Do our children now have to choose between getting an education and dying? Some of us cannot move on and accept that kind of society.

The quote by Obiageli Ezekwesili highlights the urgent and tragic intersection of education and safety in some societies. She poses a stark question: are children being forced to choose between learning and survival? This emphasizes the dire consequences of conflict, violence, or systemic neglect, where the most basic human rights—access to education and physical safety—are threatened simultaneously.

Ezekwesili’s statement reflects a deep moral concern about societal priorities. By questioning whether people can accept such conditions, she challenges governments, communities, and individuals to confront the structural and social failings that allow children to be put in such perilous situations. Education, in her view, is not just a personal benefit but a societal imperative that should never come at the cost of life.

The quote also underscores the broader theme of advocacy and resistance. Ezekwesili suggests that some of us cannot passively tolerate a society in which children’s rights are compromised. Her words call for proactive engagement to protect vulnerable populations, ensuring that education is a safe and accessible opportunity for all children, free from threats to their well-being.

Originating from Obiageli Ezekwesili, a Nigerian educator, former government minister, and co-founder of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, the quote reflects her lifelong commitment to child rights, education, and social justice. Her perspective underscores the need for societal accountability, highlighting that protecting education and life is fundamental to building a just and humane society.