Speaking at an interactive session with members of the Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN); chief executive officers of Teach for Nigeria, Edumark, Slum2School Africa, Child Protection Organisation, among other individuals that are active in the development of basic education, Sanwo-Olu affirmed that education is key in the growth of other sectors of the economy, thus his determination to prioritise the sector when in office.
In doing this, he said, data generation is crucial, as it will enable effective planning.
At the event organised by the management of The Foreshore School, Ikoyi, Sanwo-Olu engaged in an extensive discourse with the participants.
Major highlights from his manifesto show detailed work projections in human capital, technology and infrastructure; learning measurement and quality assurance; collaborations and partnerships; as well as increased funding and good governance.
Sanwo-Olu who was in company of his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, expressed concern about the growing population of the state, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure that pupils irrespective of background, financial status and origin have access to quality and equitable education in the state.
He said, “There are plans to increase budgetary allocation for education from 12.07 per cent to 18 per cent during the tenure of the administration; explore a performance-based school support voucher programme administered through revived School Management Boards to create semi-autonomous governance for each local school; scale up and accelerate school rehabilitation programmes, renovate dilapidated schools and provide adequate furniture and tools for every child in Lagos public schools.
“We will also upgrade our teacher training institutions to improve the quality and quantity of teachers towards the recommended teacher-student ratio of 1:30; strengthen STEM education in schools by increasing number of STEM teachers and providing adequate teaching materials; establish 300 fully equipped and functional computer labs in secondary schools across the state with adequate long-term maintenance plan; leverage technology platforms to teach, assess, test and reinforce learning, in conjunction with the private sector and development partners.
Noting that curriculum will be reviewed to ensure alignment with 21st century skills required in the workplace and business, he added that his government will “provide tax incentives and waivers for private sector organisations partnering with our technical and tertiary institutions.”
The convener and Administrator of The Foreshore School, Oyin Egbeyemi, maintained that education is the key driver of other economies; hence it should be according its rightful priority.
Participants, who in details highlighted all the challenges affecting quality delivery and performance in public schools, in their respective remarks want the gap between private and public schools closed.
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