By Nosakhare Agbonigiarhuoyi
The maiden edition of Edo Education Week was held in April 2023 and was a resounding success, with attendees from across Nigeria and beyond, including the notable presence of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. Tagged Education for Alaghodaro, the event provided a platform for the Edo State government to showcase its achievements in education reform and investment in education.
Some of the key focuses of the event were the launch of the Edo State Learning Agenda and a Parents’ Summit which harped on sustainability, with the Edo State government emphasising its commitment to ensuring that the program continues to benefit students and teachers in the long-term. The sustainability of the program was a priority for parents, teachers, and partners, who were all actively involved in the event.
During the event, Governor Godwin Obaseki also got the stakeholders to commit to making every child in Edo a Learning Champion and promised to provide learning tablets to all students in public schools by the end of September, an announcement received with applause from attendees. This initiative is in line with the state’s focus on using technology to enhance the learning experience for students.
The debates held during the event showed that pupils and students in Edo State are clearly learning as their points were well articulated and their poise deliberate. The Technical Panel of renowned educationists from as far away as China, and the Parents’ Summit also highlighted the level of involvement of all stakeholders in the state’s education system, with a focus on collaboration and partnership to maintain the standards set for future administrations to align with.
The presence of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah at the event was a significant highlight, with the renowned educationist commending the Edo State government for its innovative approaches to education reform and Governor Obaseki for using education to change the negative perception of Edo State. His presence underscored the importance of the work being done in Edo State, coupled with the international delegation highlighted by the attendance of the Indian Consul General, Shri Chandramouli Kumar Kern, the state’s leadership in education reforms in Nigeria and Africa are not in doubt.
Governor Godwin Obaseki used the opportunity to reiterate his dedication to re-enacting education in Edo State, emphasising the importance of education in achieving social and economic development. His commitment to education reform and investment in education has been evident over the last six years, with initiatives such as EdoBEST and the Edo Digital Teaching and Learning Initiative contributing to improved learning outcomes for students.
In conclusion, the maiden Edo State Education Week was a resounding success for education reform and stakeholder involvement. The event highlighted the Edo State government’s commitment to sustainable education reform and investment in education. The presence of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah underscored the growing recognition of Edo State as a leader in education reforms in Nigeria and Africa. The debates, technical panel, and parent summit all showed the level of involvement of all stakeholders in the state’s education system, and Governor Godwin Obaseki’s commitment to re-enacting education in Edo State remains strong.
