Experts seek overhaul of education sector

Education managers and stakeholders have assessed the sector and called for overhaul.

This was after they had identified a learning crisis, which, if not urgently addressed, may consume the country.

They spoke yesterday at a symposium organised by a non-governmental organisation, Mind to Mind Initiative Africa, in conjunction with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Apart from the large number of out-of-school children in the country, the experts lamented that those going to school were not armed with the requisite tools for performance in the work place.

Deputy governor of Lagos, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; principal consultant and chief executive officer, Leading Learning Limited, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo; chief executive officer, Teach for Nigeria, Folawe Omikunle, among others, spoke on the poor state of our educational system and why youths must be equipped to face future challenges.

The deputy governor, who was represented by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Youths and Social Development, Dr. Bola Balogun, warned of a national learning crisis. According to him, significant transformation is required to make education more inclusive.

He said the country’s education curriculum must be reviewed to encompass knowledge, information, life skills and critical thinking.

Hamzat disclosed that the state government had concluded plans to introduce comprehensive sexuality education, which would focus on the cognitive, emotional and physical aspect of sexuality.