A renowned educationist and the Executive Director, Grace Schools, Mrs Olatokunbo Edun has urged school owners to focus on capacity building for the teachers. This according to her is the only way to guarantee effective teaching and learning. The skills of teachers should be upgraded in order to be relevant to the needs of the students,
Edun says it has become pertinent to develop the capabilities and potentials of the teachers in order to accelerate the growth in the education sector. There is the urgent need to create robust learning platforms that will impact the education sector in general and students in particular.
Edun asserted that to improve the teaching profession, teachers need to upgrade themselves and be dynamic in their approach. In her words” Teaching profession is not only about teaching students alone ,It encompasses several things”. Teachers need to develop skills set to enable them perform their roles effectively. The educational system in Nigeria is at fault. Teachers need to be specialists in their own field. Teachers should not just be employed but tested on their competencies and capabilities.
Edun also emphasized the need for government to pay adequate attention to the education sector. She said there should be converted efforts to develop the education sector to accelerate its pace to enhance quality and align with global standards.
The education system in Nigeria has worsened since independence. While growing up, someone with primary 6 certificates could teach. Graduates today are half baked as some of them cannot communicate well in English. The quota system that is being adopted in the country is horrible. It guarantees admission for poorly performed students. Inadequate funding also affects the standard of education in the country. Infrastructural facilities are not improved upon by the government. Government must not just provide funding but it must monitor and supervise the funds to ensure proper allocation and judicious spending.
For instance, in the last 10 years, Rwanda has overhauled its education sector.60% of private schools have closed down due to the excessive funding of the education sector by the government. In Nigeria however, private schools have taken over the responsibilities of government.
She urged government to see private school owners as worthy partners. Private Schools have better facilities than public schools. Private schools are actually doing what public schools should be doing. There should be a strong partnership with private schools. Government should stop harassing us and overtax which has become a burden for us. For instance, what is the quality assurance policy about? Private schools boast more of solid facilities than public schools. All sorts of multiple taxes are being forced on private schools. All our infrastructures are provided by us, We have no water neither electricity from the government.
Government should be more friendly in its approach to private education stakeholders. There should b more of partnership and collaboration between private educators and the government.
She also called on parents not to abdicate their parental roles and responsibilities. According to her,Parents believe once they pay school fees, the school should take over completely. Parents should not abdicate their responsibilities to the school. Parents should try and create more time for their children. Depression is taking place more among the children. Children hardly see their parents at home. We have seen cases of drivers asking questions about home works for their bosses’ children. How can a driver suddenly become the one to b monitoring a pupils’ school work? Children blossom more when they are shown love. It is highly expected of parents to do more for their children beyond paying school fees.
Edun asserted that to improve the teaching profession, teachers need to upgrade themselves and be dynamic in their approach. In hr words” Teaching profession is not only about teaching students alone ,It encompasses several things”. Teachers need to develop skills set to enable them perform their roles effectively. The educational system in Nigeria is at fault. Teachers need to be specialists in their own field. Teachers should not just be employed but tested on their competencies and capabilities.
For Nigeria’s education system to develop and compete favourably with others around the world, There should be proper supervision of the education sector. Government should not only release funds but also monitor funds going to the sector. She stated that there should be specific projects to promote growth and spending so much on diesel while neglecting the core areas that can engender growth and development. Government should also focus on upgrading infrastructural facilities.
The foundation of everything is important. It takes huge efforts to correct the fundamental errors. It should be noted that leaving primary education in the hands of local government is not appropriate as the office holders do not pay adequate attention to improve the quality of education.
