Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has said that education remains the bedrock of any progressive society and a foundation for a better future.
Sanwo-Olu stated this on Friday at the opening ceremony of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Retreat for the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary).
Declaring open the retreat which was organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Mr. Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin said the choice of the Retreat theme, “Basic Education Implementation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward”, was crucial to encapsulate an examination of the current state of basic education in Nigeria.
He charged participants and resource persons to identify the hurdles in the challenges confronting basic education in Nigeria and propose better ways to further improve on it.
He said, “ln Lagos State, we recognise that the quality of basic education determines the strength of our future leaders, the vibrancy of our economy, and the cohesiveness of our communities. That is why we must address the issues and challenges hindering the effective implementation of basic education across Nigeria with the utmost seriousness and candour it deserves”.
He urged the esteemed members of the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission to engage in open discussions on the issues and challenges facing basic education, especially the issue of inadequate infrastructure.
According to him, many schools across the nation lack the necessary facilities to provide a conducive learning environment needed to enable children to learn in a safe and supportive environment.
He highlighted other issues including investing in teachers’ training, professional development, and their welfare in addition to finding innovative approaches to attract, train, keep and retain passionate and qualified educators who can inspire and nurture the intellect and morals of children.
He also emphasised the disparities in educational access and quality between urban and rural areas and called for a way forward to ensure that every child, regardless of their gender, location and parental background enjoys equal opportunities for quality education to bridge the gap and foster equity.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, Hamid Bobboyi stressed the need to provide qualitative basic education in the overall interest of Nigerian children.