By Eguasa Godspower
Reiterating his commitment to reenact education in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has commenced the inspection of schools across the state to ascertain the level of work required to upgrade their infrastructure and learning environment to the standard set across the state.
Visiting Niger College in Ikpoba-Okha LGA on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, with the State Executive Council in tow, Mr Obaseki lamented the poor state of secondary education in the country, which he said was mostly caused by the policy gap in the federal government which does not provide policy direction nor funding.
He said: “Unfortunately, the Federal Government’s policy on secondary school is very weak and unclear. Whereas for basic education we have the Universal Basic Education Act and Fund that help us support funding of infrastructure at the basic level, it does not exist for secondary education.
The Governor noted that Edo State will have to look to other sources for funding to upgrade the secondary schools in the State.
“As a state, we have decided that we will look for money to begin the process of rebuilding our secondary schools. We are starting with some selected schools with high populations, to rebuild the infrastructure, introduce technology and make sure they have adequate teaching staff. This will have to be funded by the state because we don’t have financial support from the FG to do this.” Mr Obaseki said.
Edo State’s reforms in education have garnered many commendations from within Nigeria and abroad, and Mr Obaseki believes that his accomplishments in turning around basic education can be replicated with secondary education.
He noted that the next step for secondary schools in Edo State is the disarticulation of junior secondary and senior secondary schools which will begin with the new session that starts in September.
Speaking to journalists, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Oviawe, said the ministry has received its marching orders to redesign Niger College to incorporate smart technology and play areas for sporting activities.
“Infrastructurally, we are coming up with a smart design for the school to include a play area for the students to engage in athletic activities.
She said the Edo Supporting Teachers to Achieve Results (EdoSTAR) Teaching Fellows Programme has ensured that the close to 3000 students who attend Niger College have enough teachers to deliver knowledge.
“Since our EdoSTAR teachers were recruited, Niger College has not had any teacher vacancies which is good news. The next focus for this school now is infrastructure.” the Commissioner said.
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