The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) and other stakeholders in the education sector, yesterday, advocated raising the standard of low-cost private schools in the South-West region in conformity with the requirements of the United Nations Education, Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The stakeholders, at a launch of the coalition of the interest groups in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, resolved to unite in raising the bar of education in the various low-paying fees schools across the region.

The PLANE’s Technical Lead on Governance of Non-State Systems, Dr James Fadokun, stated that the responsibilities of the coalition are to advocate for the government’s support for non-state schools, mobilise private and community support (both technical and financial) for non-state schools, provide recommendations to governments on ways to improve non-state schools and serve as an intermediary between governments and owners of non-state schools.

He added that the initiative seeks to engage with government agencies and policymakers to recognise and support the critical role that non-state schools play in addressing educational gaps, especially for out-of-school children.

The initiative, according to Fadokun, could involve facilitating partnerships for technology integration, capacity building for teachers, or securing scholarships and sponsorships that can alleviate financial burdens on families and school operators.

On the essence of the coalition, the Head of Programmes at the DAWN Commission, Abiodun Oladipo, said that the intervention for non-state schools was designed to tackle critical challenges by building a strong coalition of diverse interest groups.

Oladipo said it is important to put the coalition in place to address education gaps and change misconceptions.

Earlier in his address, the Director-General of the DAWN Commission, Dr Seye Oyeleye, encouraged the stakeholders to improve the standard of education at the low-fee paying schools.

He said everyone must work together to empower every child in the South West region with the education they deserve.

Oyeleye said that non-state schools, particularly those catering to low-income families, play an irreplaceable role in bridging the educational divide, and providing accessible learning opportunities to children in underserved communities.