Poor state of infrastructures in schools, lackadaisical attitude of teachers and students to teaching and learning as well as parents abdicating their roles in rendering support to complementing government’s support to fund education has been enumerated as some of the myriad of problems facing the education sector in Nigeria.
Capt Idris Wada, Kogi State Governor, stated this at the 2014 Okun education summit with the theme: Community Participation in education monitoring and quality assurance in Okunland.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, said despite the noticed education problems in the country, charity he noted must begin at home, commended the steering committee for their initiative to encourage learning in Okunland.
The governor who noted that the numerous problems facing education sector in the state is coming at a time the state is grappling with limited funds, but said his administration has however resolved to bring back the lost glory that was associated with education in the old Kabba province under the old Northern Nigeria.
Capt Wada disclosed that his administration has began “The iconic school programme”, with the aim to rehabilitate all first generation schools in the state as well as a comprehensive plan to audit teachers for better service delivery.
The governor disclosed his further resolve to pay the salaries of primary school teachers as soon as all the loopholes associated with the sector is resolved.
The Governor described education as a legacy worth pursuing by all, assured of his administration’s quest to make the state a pride of place in quality education. Speaking at the occasion, Gen. David Jemibewon, Chairman of the Summit, in his message warned that not making efforts to reposition education in Okunland is a disaster that will not do the people any good.
Gen Jemibewon disclosed that the fallen standard of education is now a major problem across the country, called for concerted efforts that will restore passion in the youths for excellence and educational pursuit.
In his welcome address, Prof Albert. B. Olayemi, Chairman Steering Committee, Okun Education Summit, called for the revival of spirit of community participation in quality education for which Okun people are known for.
He said government alone is incapable of restoring the enviable position the Okun nation has lost in the education sector, called for all Okun people to be in the forefront for advancing quality education that will help fight mass unemployment and unproductivity currently noticed amongst Okun youths.
The summit as its highlights featured several paper presentation on community participation and quality assurance by seasoned resource person .
