NAN-H-94
Policy
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Dec. 1, 2016 (NAN) The Oyo State Government on Thursday launched its Schools Governing Board (SGB) initiative, saying it will help improve the standard of education in the state.
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi launched the new initiative in Ibadan at a town hall meeting
held at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan.
Ajimobi said the state government would not relent in its efforts at repositioning the education sector of the state.
He stressed that there was need to address the poor performance of students in external examinations through strong education reforms.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that secondary school students in the state had on June 6 protested the public/private participatory management of schools policy of the state government.
NAN reports that the students had carried out the protest following speculations that the policy was intended to sell their schools.
The governor said that the SGB model of school management was recommended by the Education Reform Committee headed by Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin, the Vice Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
“The poor performance of the students necessitated the introduction of “no automatic promotion” policy in schools.
“ Some people razed down school buildings in protest against the policy.
“Let me stress it here that government will not go back on this policy.
“ I also want to assure you that the six schools shut down in respect of the destruction will not be re-opened unless they are rebuilt by their parents,” he said.
Ajimobi said that the policy would take effect from the next academic session, saying that
LAUTECH would be re-opened as soon as the visitation panel to the institution submitted its report.
Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, said the SGB model of management for schools would be in two categories and aimed at repositioning the schools.
Olowofela said that the SGB would be responsible for the management of the schools, improve quality of school programmes and boost efficiency of teachers.
“ The second category of the SGB will be responsible for the improvement of school infrastructure and environments and ensure increased participation of parents and communities.
“It will ensure provision of basic teaching and learning resources, effective management of schools, create accountability mechanisms for improved quality and efficiency for schools and raising students’ achievement level,” he said.
NAN reports that the first SGB board would comprise two representatives of lead stakeholders, the head boy or girl of the schools, Local Inspector of Education while the school principal would serve as secretary.
Others in the first category, he said, would be accredited representatives of Parent Teachers Association, Old Students’ Association, Local Government Council/LCDA and a non-partisan community leader.
The second category would comprise accredited representatives of Parent Teachers Association, Old Students’ Association, Local Government Council/LCDA and a non-partisan community leader.
Others are the head boy or girl of the school, Local Inspector of Education, the school principal to serve as the secretary and two identified philanthropists.
Also speaking, Mrs Bisi Alli, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, said government would ensure in-service training of teachers.
She stated that the efforts of the government on education would be fruitful with the support of stakeholders.
“The future lies in the ability of the state government to give the children sound education and in the cooperation of relevant stakeholders,” she said.
Dr Rafiu Ladipo, the President-General, Nigeria Supporters Club and old student of Okebadan High School, urged the people to support the new education policy.
Ladipo, who is the President, Okebadan High School Old Students’ Association, commended the state government for the initiative.
Mr Bayo Saka, the representative of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA), commended the government and called for more in-service training of teachers.
NAN reports that the event was attended by members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers and heads of tertiary institutions and students.(NAN)
TAA/OJO
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)