NAN-H-10
Communique
Lagos, April 6, 2017 (NAN) Chairmen of the Universal Basic Education Boards across the country have called for prompt release of funds to facilitate smooth implementation of the new Model School Initiatives (MSI) nationwide.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 18th Quarterly Meeting between the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and 37 SUBEC chairmen, held on Wednesday in Lagos.
The communiqué obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, stated that the implementation of the MSI should be gradual.
It added that population and geo-political setting of states must be taken into consideration in the course of the implementation.
The meeting urged UBEC to ensure timely release of funds for programmes that would ensure qualitative and quantitative education at the basic level.
It implored the commission to undertake advocacy visits to major stakeholders, in order to encourage them key into the model schools system, which was geared towards improving quality and excellence at the basic education level.
The meeting also recommended that SUBEBs should include model schools in their action plans, to attract grant from UBEC.
Earlier in his address at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, said the introduction of model schools was to address challenges facing public schools, especially the learning environment.
He said that the model schools would provide quality facilities and well motivated teachers, as well as care, guidance and safety of learners.
Bobboyi said that the overall target was to raise the standard of education in the country and ensure that products of the school system would contribute fully to societal development.
He commended Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State for revitalising the basic education sub-sector, through the provision of infrastructure.
The UBEC boss added that the governor had also keyed into the Federal Government Home Grown School Feeding and Health Programmes, by providing meals to 1,870 pupils in 31 inclusive units in public primary schools.(NAN)
PR/AIB/MZA
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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Maharazu Ahmed