Babangida calls for more private investments in education

Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), has called for more private investments in education as a way of addressing the current decay in the sector.

Babangida who spoke at the 20th-anniversary celebration of El-Amin International School, Minna, Niger State (established by his late wife, Maryam) at the weekend, stressed that revamping the country’s education sector must not be left in the hands of government alone, hence the need for private intervention.

The school, which was established as part of her contribution to the development of education in the country, General Babangida added, was also as a result of her passion for the overall wellbeing and development of women and the girl-child.

Also speaking at the occasion, executive director of the school, Dr. Mohammed Babangida, said that the school was living up the dream and vision of its founder and has become the most vibrant and outstanding private school in the North today.

According to him, “El-Amin runs both national and international examinations such as WAEC, NECO, Edexel and Cambridge. It has over the years churned out students that have today excelled in their various academic and professional endeavors.”

Dr. Babangida, while rolling out the achievements of the school since establishment, disclosed that the school has been positioned to meet teaching and learning expected in the 21st century, adding that in the last 16 years, it has maintained an average of 98 per cent pass in both WAEC and NECO.

He pointed out that after 20 years of purposeful leadership in the education sector, the school has produced six doctorate degree holders and a large number of masters’ degree holders in various disciplines.

Highlight of the anniversary celebration was the presentation of keys to three-bedroom apartments to each of the five pioneer staff of the school who have served the school by the executive director.