By John Dike Osogbo
Worried by the abysmal performances of both primary and secondary school students, Osun state government has concluded plans to hold education summit to address the development.
The Commissioner for Education, Hon Dipo Eluwole said summit will kick start on August 22 to end 24, 2023.
Eluwole who spoke at a press conference held at the ministry of Education, Abere, said array of resources persons and stakeholders will converge to address the situation and proffer solution to the education decline in the state.
He said the state has declined on performance in the recent School certificate examinations, saying the summit will afford many stakeholders opportunity to brainstorm and find lasting solution to the poor performances in various national and schools examinations .
He expressed disappointment of Adeleke administration on the dwindling education performance of students which he noted called for the urgent need to bring back the lost glory of education in the state.
Eluwole hinted that the Summit will afford stakeholders to come out with effective plans and policy that will enhance quality and qualitative education in the State .
While identifying areas in Education sector that will be reviewed, the education Commissioner, said collapse of school inspectorate services, mandate of the State Ministry of Education were other undeniable factors that got the state education sector alarming.
“This is quite unlike Yoruba parents of old. Deviant behaviors of students contribute more to the annual dance of shame the state displays at the release of public examinations results. The worst part is that such children have the backing of the parents to resist teachers from administering punishment on their erring children.”
According to him Osun education sectorial problems are quite hydra-headed and except an overhaul sectorial reform is taken fast, it could become irredeemable. That is why the state 2023 education summit is not only desirable but also timely.
The three days summit he said must address the rebirth of centered policies that will make schools and its environment child-friendly, conducive, safe and motivating not just an ostentatious display of architectural wizardry.
“The holistic sectorial reform that will bring back the statutory mandate of monitoring and evaluation in the State Ministry of Education devoid of function overlaps between teachers and education officers,” he noted.
He opined the need to have a critical look into the standard required for recruitment of teachers, lecturers and education officers without interference from the political class while non-academic teachers and lecturers shall be recruited continually.
According to him, successive government should endeavor to build on the good legacies of their predecessors in office rather than starting new set of projects and programmes.
