Lack Of Political Will, Bane Of Education

By Omonu Nelson, Abuja

The lead director of Centre for Social Justice, Eze Onyechere has identified lack of push by leaders at the various states of Nigeria, as reason why education is going into comma.
He made this disclosure, Wednesday, in Abuja, as a lead speaker at a two days national stakeholders meeting on inclusive education organised by Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA).

Speaking on theme of the meeting, "Achieving
Inclusive Education for All by 2030 through Effective Education Financing/
Budgeting," Onyekpere explained that it is sad for over 50 billion naira to be lying
idle at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), while
children in some states still learn under mango trees. And classes, where they
are forced to close from school, if it's about to rain.

He advised electorates to choose their leaders
carefully, to ensure that the fortune of Education is turned around.
"We must use our 'first eleven' to get things right
in the education sector. I mean, for somebody, who calls himself a
governor but does not appreciate the value of education, how do you
expect him to turnaround the fortune of education in his state.

"We have states where children still learn under
mango trees. Schools are forced to close, once is about to rain, yet, about
50 billion naira is lying idle at the UBEC. Nobody wants to access
it."

While welcoming participants, the National
Moderator of CSACEFA, Kabiru Aliyu said, the group has recorded tremendous
achievements. It has opened many closed doors.
According to Aliyu, for the first time, CSACEFA have concluded personnel
audit with UBEC. We have opened collaboration
with the World Bank.

The representative of the minister of education,
Baba Seidman Adamu praise the contribution of Civil Society Organisations.

"Nigeria is a country with large population and
will need the collaboration of the civil society organisations to close the gap
in the implementation of education policies. The involvement of the
CSOs will ensure proper implementation of education budgetary
processes." Adamu said.

By a crusader:https://crusadersiii./2018/09/01/lack-of-political-will-bane-of-education/