UBEC bemoans state of schools in Kogi, Kwara, others

The Federal Government has expressed concern over the deteriorating state of schools in the South, Kogi and Kwara states.

Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Hamid Bobboyi, noted the disturbing trend at a five-day training for Master Trainers in the UBE Effective School Programme in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He emphasised the critical need to address the prevalent problem of dilapidated school infrastructure nationwide.

Bobboyi also submitted that revitalising educational facilities is imperative to creating conducive learning environments that could significantly enhance outcomes for students.

The UBEC boss said several schools across the federation currently suffer from overcrowding and inadequate resources, severely impacting both academic performance and teacher’s morale.

To counteract these challenges, he stressed the necessity of targeted improvements in school infrastructure, teacher’s capacity and overall learning conditions.

His words: “The structures in many of our schools in the sector are dilapidated, overcrowded and the capacity of the teachers needs to be enhanced. Schools are supposed to be child-friendly and the teachers in them up to date in skills and content knowledge. This is, however, not what exists.

“The result of this is low learning achievements in basic education products with low literacy and numeracy skills and teachers, whose commitment to duty is also low. Above all, there exists poor governance structure and low leadership skills among school leaders, which are essential for assuring efficiency and effectiveness in schools .These invariably affect the overall outlook of schools.

“The Effective Schools Programme represents a crucial initiative aimed at tackling the longstanding issue of deteriorating school structures and improving learning environments throughout Nigeria. Our primary objective is to ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to quality education within a safe and supportive setting.”

Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Nureni Adeniran, expressed optimism about the programme’s commencement in designated model schools.

Stressing the crucial role of sustained efforts by state governments in building upon UBEC’s groundwork, he urged all states to embrace these initiatives in alignment with global educational standards.