The inclusion of technology in the Edo State educational system has not only reflected glaringly in government primary schools across the state, but also in the junior secondary schools which is coded EdoBEST 2.0.
During an education policy town hall meeting which was held at Imaguero College Hall in Benin City, with the theme “the change maker”, the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, reassured Edo residents that his zeal towards sustaining technology absorption into the state’s education system for the overall positive rebranding and transformation, would keep burning day-by-day.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe said the meeting was to discuss the various challenges facing the education sector in the state, while at the same time, giving room for stakeholders in the sector to recommend how to sustain the high education standards, value and integrity.
According to Dr. Osa-Oviawe, EdoBEST 2.0 is made up of five key pillars, namely: Governance, Innovative Teaching (pedagogy), Skills Acquisition, School Environment which incorporates infrastructure and extra-curricular activities like sports and values.
In her words, “It is not farfetched that the system of education the state desires isn’t only aimed at building intellectual capacity but also geared towards imbibing values, culture, self-reliance via skill acquisition and innovative teaching in a conducive environment. Governance cannot be taken away because it encapsulates rules and regulations guiding the state’s education system.
“While ensuring the bridging of the gap in all strata and that no leaf is left unturned regarding improving education standards within the state, slots for Mathematics, English and Science subject teachers’ applications are still open in the Edo Supporting Teachers to Achieve Result (EdoSTAR) and plans have also been made to revive the library system in the state”.
Similarly, Governor Obaseki said: “Every Edo child should be in school; no child should be spotted in the street begging. If such an incident occurs, the parents of the child will be arrested and prosecuted for negligence.
“The direction for education that has been set is for the overall benefit of all residents. Everyone is expected to abide by the direction and standard. The teachers who are part of education must be prepared to play their roles because they cannot be taken away from education policy implementation.
“Ways to prepare both Edo basic and secondary school students for the future is by engaging them on excursions to tertiary institutions from time to time, which will prepare and guide them towards their career potential. Ensuring sustainability of these policies is by removing politics from education same way godfatherism was kicked out from Edo State politics”.
While addressing the issue of internet fraudsters which is one of the challenges facing education in the state, Governor Obaseki posited that their mindset and intelligence be redirected towards more productive ventures and better causes to boost the state’s economy and uphold her integrity.
He added that the government would address the root cause of cyber fraud, the same way it combated human trafficking in all nooks and crannies of the state.
The Governor assured that the future of the education system in the state is very bright considering the huge government’s investment, adding that to ensure its sustainability, every stakeholder needs to be involved and contribute their quota for the benefit of the entire Edo residents.
By Omoruyi Patricia Osayomore
