‘Addressing infrastructural deficit will improve learning’

Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, has restated the government’s commitment to improving the standard of learning in the state through infrastructural development.

The 2019 budgetary allocation for education in the state, she said was a clear sign that the government was not paying lip service to boosting the sector through improved funding.

The educationist made the remarks at United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) sponsored event to mark the 30th anniversary of the convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), tagged “Naija youth talk – Lagos,” where about 60 children and youths discussed their biggest challenges and Nigeria they want to see in these areas.

“One of the main things is to have a look at the infrastructure; the governor is working assiduously to repair a lot of schools.  He is spending significantly on that, giving the schools the resources they need to run,” she said.

Also, the commissioner said they were going to invest in teachers by training and recruitment because a lot of schools do not have enough teachers. Adefisayo noted that they are also going to look at the curriculum and focus on values and character-based education.

The commissioner continued: “We are going to make sure that school makes sense for students. We cannot do it alone with our own resources. The task is huge; we want the private sector to partner with us on this initiative.  She urged the students to be that leader they are looking for because in all cases, leadership, humility, integrity, hard work is very important.

The commissioner told the students to always know their purpose and be determined to work towards it.Officer in charge, UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Muhammad Okorie said   the convention on the right of the child was an opportunity where young people were empowered to speak on issues concerning them.He added that the programme was an avenue for young people to speak on the issues as it affects them and also proffer solutions.

The officer in charge noted that one thing very innovative about the event was to send more messages with the voice of the children to the government and stakeholders to redesign because the children are looking at the sustainable development goals, how it affects them and how much progress has been made in achieving the right of a child.