Chidimma Uchegbu
President Bola Tinubu has directed stakeholders in the basic education subsector to work towards returning children to the classroom, thus decreasing the number of out-of-school children.
The President emphasized the need for schools to be equipped with appropriate skills development programmes aimed at fostering creativity and research, starting from early education.
Minister of Education Dr. Tunde Alausa said this on Monday in Abuja during the quarterly meeting of Universal Basic Education Commission, (UBEC) management and chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Commission, SUBEC, held with the theme” Strengthening Collaboration for Quality Basic Education Delivery in Nigeria.”
The minister reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to transforming education in the country.
He reminded states that implementation of the Universal Basic Education, UBE programme is entirely their responsibility.
However, the minister noted that implementing the plan requires strong collaboration with all relevant agencies to address the various challenges facing the basic education subsector.
To this end, he has encouraged the states to reevaluate existing strategies and identify innovative approaches to implementing basic education.
He said this includes exploring alternative funding sources and fostering collaboration to ensure that every Nigerian child receives quality education.
According to him, the Government expected that the meeting’s outcomes would result in more collaboration for implementing quality basic education and strategies for effective monitoring and evaluation of learning activities, which would help realize the 2030 education agenda.
He assured that the government would continue to partner with and support states in ensuring that necessary reforms are carried out in the basic education sub-sector and that such reforms are effectively implemented by states to meet the country’s aspirations.
“Let me reiterate here that the implementation of the UBE program is entirely the responsibility of States and requires a strong collaboration with all relevant agencies to address the various challenges facing the basic education subsector.
“Therefore, I encourage you to reevaluate existing strategies and identify innovative approaches to implementing basic education. This includes exploring alternative funding sources and fostering collaboration to ensure that every Nigerian child receives quality education, “he said.
Dr Alausa recalled that a few weeks ago, the National Council on Education (NCE) held its extraordinary meeting in Abuja. During this meeting, various issues affecting the delivery of quality education in Nigeria were discussed, and different proposals were presented on the way forward.
“Commissioners of Education from the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretary, as well as some SUBEB Chairmen were present at that meeting. Also, last week, I had the privilege of hosting these Commissioners and the FCT Education Secretary. These interactions are steps in the right direction and are well appreciated.
“ I would like to assure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting quality education to inspire renewed hope, with a strong emphasis on prioritizing qualitative basic education, which is recognized as the most vital segment of the education sector.
“The development of this foundational level is essential for the positive impact of the other tiers of the educational system and its contribution to the overall national development.
“ The Federal Ministry of Education is, therefore, committed to improving teacher quality, enhancing school environment, ensuring the availability of adequate instructional materials, and implementing an effective quality assurance evaluation system, “he added.
Furthermore, the minister said, “We are also focused on strengthening collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to develop result-oriented strategies aimed at reducing the growing number of out-of-school children.”
“Presently, a committee has been set up to outline the process for categorizing schools in Nigeria to identify areas where urgent interventions are needed. These efforts are designed to prepare Nigerian youths for the 21st-century economy, in line with Mr. President’s initiative of “Education for Renewed Hope,” he informed.
He congratulated the UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, on her appointment, for her resourcefulness, and for her commitment to hosting the meeting “at this critical economic period.”
“This marks the beginning of several successes that will be recorded in the basic education sub-sector,” he said.
