From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, yesterday, disclosed plans to convene an education summit to enable him canvass his ‘Imole Education Agenda’.
He disclosed this at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, Osogbo, during the presentation of instructional materials to secondary school students in the state.
Adeleke, who decried the level of infrastructure in the schools. directed the ministries of Education and that of Science and Innovation to study the possibility of introducing tablets into the senior secondary school level.
He said: “The state of education in Osun demands urgent attention from the government. From primary to secondary schools, the infrastructure is in bad condition. The three areas that affect learning need urgent reforms. The learning environment, the teaching aids, and teachers’ welfare are all issues our government is looking into.
“The above conditions are complicated by parental economic conditions, the breakdown of the family value system, and the increasing law and order challenges in society. The worst side is bad educational policy and lack of political will under the previous administration. The result is that Osun is placed 34th or so on the national examination rating index.
“Our administration is determined to change the situation for the better. To that end, we have a comprehensive education sector reform agenda.
“We will soon hold an educational summit where all stakeholders will brainstorm. The summit will enable me to submit the Imole Education Agenda to fast-track the implementation process. We aim to ensure an education system in tune with the demands of the 21st century.
“Specifically, our government is resolved to improve the learning environment, empower the teachers and provide learning aids. I have a very ambitious target for this sector. The ultimate goal is to improve the educational rating of Osun from the present 34th position to between 1 to 10th position,” he said.
Adeleke also directed the Ministry of Education to clean up and re-open the nine computer centres located in selected schools across the nine federal constituencies, saying: “The facilities in those centres are rotten away. We must put them to good use for the betterment of our education system.
“In the same vein, I call on both the ministries of Education and that of Science and Innovation to study the possibility of introducing tablets into the senior secondary school level. This will address the increasing cost of book purchases and also enhance Osun’s readiness for e-learning. The two ministries should look into best practices and engage TLG, a local company in which the Osun government is a shareholder, on the subject matter,” he said.