UBEC, private sector rally to enhance, reform basic education

With the realisation that deformity in the delivery of basic education will forever hurt the nation’s growth and progress, operators of universal basic education as well as active players in the private sector have rallied to discuss and formulate policies that would reinforce basic learning through private sector involvement.

The roundtable meeting facilitated by Oando Foundation brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including international agencies.

The overall aim of the project according to the facilitator is to create a network of private sector leaders within the basic education space to explore methods and techniques for supporting basic education through partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

This network expectedly will serve as a platform for further engagement for UBEC and private sector players.

Executive Secretary, of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, who described the gathering as an invaluable private sector meeting, stressed that the deliberations will no doubt accelerate support for basic education in the country.

He highlighted areas of interest to include bourgeoning statistics of out-of-school children; capacity building for teachers and educational managers; ICT development, support to SBMCs; infrastructural development; provision of instructional materials, equipment, facilities; sponsorship of competitions, scholarships, among others.

He said the commission is keenly interested in the new project, as it will develop an active partnership with the organised private sector in the development of basic education in Nigeria.

“The opportunity being offered today by this meeting is indeed a landmark, signaling a brighter future for the strong partnership.

It goes without saying that, the sub-sector represents the foundational stratum upon which all other tiers, of our educational system are predicted on and nurtured.

When we allow, by design or default, the malformation of this crucial sub-section, we necessarily compromise the integrity of our socio-economic existence. So there is an urgent need to create a framework for the participation of the private sector in enhancing basic teaching and learning.”

The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Modupe Mujota, who expressed that the partnership has the potential to redistribute the responsibility for basic education between government and private sector, added that articulation of issues raised would enhance the quality of basic education a great deal.

Head, Oando Foundation, Adekanla Adegoke, expressed delight that the discourse presented an evidence-based case for private sector involvement in education policymaking and funding.

She urged participants to have an understanding that the process that brought them together and the need to have a better coordination of government actors is key.