Educationist seeks improved funding for education sector

Founder of Doregos Private Academy, Lagos, Mrs. Clementina Abeke Doregos, has urged the Federal Government to allocate more funds to the nation’s education sector as obtained in developed countries.

Insufficient funding according to her is a major factor retarding the development of the sector, which she described as the most important of all sectors.

Speaking at the 21st valedictory service of the school, which had as its theme, “Empowered to Empower,” Doregos regretted that hitherto, government had not made education a priority, adding that unless the issue was addressed, the sector would continue to remain comatose.

She said, “The allocation given to education in Nigeria is still very minimal. Educationists need more funds to be able to equip our children with requisite skills needed in this 21st century. If we want to get it right in education, government must fund the sector adequately.

We don’t have to deceive ourselves. Education, be it public or private is very expensive.   “If schools do not have adequate learning facilities there is nothing anybody can do to improve learning outcomes.

So government should place emphasis on funding because at the moment the percentage they are giving is low. Government should emulate other developed countries that have gotten it right in that education,” she advised.

She also regretted the fact that government did not cinsider the idea of giving incentives to private schools despite the fact that most private schools were doing their very best to improve the lot of Nigerian children. “We do not receive any support from government, rather they take bills from us for running private schools.

They said there is no tax, but indirectly they collect dues from those running private schools in the country.” She told the graduating students that the six years they have spent in the school has prepared them for challenges ahead as the school’s curriculum included activities, which exposed them to higher academic tasks within and outside the country.

Through series of projects, entrepreneurial studies and skill acquisition schemes, we have exposed them to realities of life. This set the Class of 2015 especially has represented Nigeria internationally through their science project, and so we are convinced that they will continually excel.”

She advised them to remain focused, relentless and disciplined as these were the basics they needed to excel in life.   The Regional Control Manager (Abuja and North), Union Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Agada Mathias Usman, who chaired the occasion, urged the outgoing students to continue steadfastly in their quest for knowledge, and also remain worthy ambassadors of the school.

The valedictorian and head girl, Ojutalayo Tosin in her speech appreciated the school’s leadership for its efforts and contribution to their education.