PRESS RELEASE
The recent delivery of a letter by the Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa to the President of the World Bank, Mr. Ajay Banga, has raised high expectations for an on-site tour of schools in Edo State.
The letter, which extends a heartfelt invitation to the World Bank, aims to provide firsthand knowledge of the deplorable condition of schools in rural areas and challenges the claim that the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) program is effective and yielding positive results.
Yesterday, Thursday, the letter was successfully delivered in Washington, D.C., to Mr. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank. The Coalition eagerly awaits his response and anticipates the positive outcomes that may result from the invitation.
The invitation for an on-the-spot assessment is a crucial step in highlighting the discrepancies between the significant funding allocated for the revamping of education in Edo State and the lack of visible impact or improvement in the educational system. Despite Governor Godwin Obaseki’s announcement of a $75 million facility approved by the World Bank for educational transformation, the current state of education in Edo State remains unsatisfactory.
By inviting Mr. Ajay Banga and his team for an on-site assessment, the Coalition aims to provide a firsthand experience of the dire conditions of schools, particularly in rural areas. This assessment will enable him to witness the reality on the ground and gain a deeper understanding of the urgent need for intervention and support in Edo State’s education sector.
The coalition hopes that this assessment will prompt a reassessment of the effectiveness of the allocated funds and lead to targeted interventions that can bring about positive change in Edo State’s educational system. The invitation is a call for transparency, accountability, and a shared commitment to improving education, particularly for underserved rural areas where children face significant challenges.
While the EdoBEST program has received praise from the World Bank and other global institutions, it is essential to critically assess its impact, especially in terms of infrastructure and resource allocation. Adequate classrooms, furniture, and resources are essential for effective education delivery, but many schools in Edo State lack these necessities.
Additionally, the coalition emphasizes the need to address the disparity between urban and rural areas when implementing educational reforms. Focusing solely on urban centers neglects the goal of providing equal opportunities for all students. To evaluate the success of EdoBEST, a comprehensive assessment of its impact across the entire state is necessary.
The coalition recognizes the positive outcomes and adaptability of the program during the COVID-19 pandemic but stresses the importance of ensuring its long-term sustainability and scalability. Real-time data collection and systemic solutions are commendable, but scaling up interventions to benefit a wider population is crucial.
By accepting the invitation and witnessing the conditions of schools in rural areas, it is hoped that Mr. Ajay Banga will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the education system in Edo State. This will enable a more informed assessment of the effectiveness and impact of the EdoBEST program.
The coalition eagerly awaits Mr. Ajay Banga’s response and hopes for his esteemed presence on the on-site tour. We believe that his participation will shed light on the need for further investments in infrastructure, resources, and equitable distribution of educational reforms. It will also emphasize the importance of comprehensive evaluations and long-term sustainability strategies to ensure lasting positive outcomes.
The coalition is ready to make all necessary arrangements to facilitate the tour based on Mr. Ajay Banga’s preferred date and time. We look forward to showcasing the ground realities of the education system in Edo State and working towards a brighter future for the children of the state.
Signed
John Mayaki
Country Director,
Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa.