EDITORIAL
Newsflo.ng
Revamping Education In Ondo State
The declaration by the Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Science and Technology to support the ongoing reforms in the state’s education sector is a welcome development.
The House Committee was led by its Chairman, Hon. Kolawole Ologede, the committee’s commitment to ensuring the success of these reforms is a testament to the government’s determination to revamp the education system.
Nigeria’s education sector is in dire need of holistic reform to restore its former glory. The rising cases of indiscipline and cultism in schools, poor teacher motivation, and inadequate infrastructure are just a few indicators of the sector’s decay.
Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, the newly appointed Commissioner for Education, has a daunting task ahead of him. With his wealth of experience as a former Vice-Chancellor, he is well-equipped to drive meaningful change.
One policy that Ondo State could consider adopting is Imo State’s ban on graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and Junior Secondary School pupils. This move has been widely praised for reducing financial burdens on parents and refocusing attention on academic development.
Meanwhile, Imo State’s directive to adopt approved textbooks for a minimum of four years could help reduce the financial strain on parents and promote a more efficient learning environment.
The excesses of school proprietors and administrators in the state are indeed shocking and warrant urgent attention from the government.
To succeed, the Ondo State government must prioritize improvement in teacher welfare and motivation to enhance educational quality.
In many private schools, proprietors and administrators often prioritize profits over the welfare of students and parents. This can lead to exorbitant fees, unnecessary expenses, and a lack of transparency in school management.
The government must take concrete steps to regulate these schools and ensure they operate within established guidelines.
Tackle indiscipline and cultism in schools through joint efforts with stakeholders, and bring back sport activities to secondary school in the state.
Ensure fair distribution of infrastructure development projects in schools across the state.
Foster collaboration between the legislature and Ministry of Education, and establish strong monitoring systems to track progress.
Develop and enforce standards for school fees, curriculum, and infrastructure to ensure consistency across schools.
Regularly inspect schools to ensure they adhere to regulations and take action against those that don’t.
Provide a platform for parents to report grievances and ensure their concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
Taking these steps, will help government create a more equitable and sustainable education system that benefits students, parents, and the broader community.
The Ondo State government has a unique opportunity to transform the education sector. Adopting innovative policies like those implemented in Imo State and prioritizing key areas of focus, Prof. Ajibefun will drive meaningful reform.
The era of endless rhetoric is indeed over; it’s time for tangible action to secure the future of education in Ondo State.
Editorial Board
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