Ambode seeks education sector reform, inaugurates Brownsville College

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has called for reformation of the Nigerian education system, starting with regular review of its curriculum.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Brownsville College, Ikoyi (BCI), Ambode said education remains the greatest weapon in the fight against poverty as well as a foundation upon which meaningful and sustainable development is based, thus the need for constant review of educational programmes.

He said it was in realisation of this fact that the state continued to encourage private sector participation in education, and also working assiduously to ensure that quality and standard are not compromised.

He said, “Advancement of knowledge is the single factor responsible for the various technological breakthroughs that have helped in addressing lots of human challenges. For us to achieve our goal of raising a new generation of responsible leaders, with a broad knowledge base, the educational system needs to undergo a wide range of reforms, with a curriculum that is constantly reviewed and updated to reflect current challenges.
 
“While we continue to encourage private sector participation in education, quality and standard will not be compromised. The Quality Assurance Department of the Ministry of Education will be strengthened and empowered to ensure that basic minimum standards are maintained.”

He advised education managers to ensure young people are adequately prepared to face with confidence, present and future challenges.

Commending the founder and Chairperson, Board of Trustees of BCI, Mr. Hameed Kasumu, for joining the league of 666 public schools and 1,089 private secondary schools in the state in providing education to the Nigerian child, he enjoined him to ensure that its programmes are structured to effectively align with the changing times.

He said, “As your pursue the British curriculum, please remember to imbibe in the children, values of patriotism and national consciousness, while teaching them about national history and heritage. Our students need to know where we are coming from to be able to take us to where we are going.”
 
Ambode further stated that his administration was considering the reintroduction of computer-based tests in all its public secondary schools, so as to help them prepare for future post-secondary school examinations, like the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which is now computer-based.

Kasumu in his remarks noted that the urge to contribute to the wellbeing of mankind motivated the establishment of the college, adding that, “I have resolved along with directors of the school that some of the profit would be channeled towards cancer research to enhance detection and ultimate cure.

“BCI is established to deliver first class education and prepare students for the future. The college strongly reflects traditional Nigerian culture and values whilst preparing its students to live and work in a highly complex, challenging and competitive international world.