15th January, 2016
The former Minister of Education, Dr.Oby Ezekwesili, yesterday said that the inconsistent economic policies of federal government is responsible for collapse of public education.
Ezekwesili said this on Friday at the 12th Gani Faehinmi Annual Lecture/ Symposium organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) ikeja branch held at Airport Hotel, Lagos.
Ezekwesili while discussing the theme: “The collapse of the Public Education and the past, present and future prospects of the Nigerian State”, also noted government lopsided structure was another reason for the collapsed of the public education in the country.
The speaker said when there is a poor economic growth and inconsistent infrastructure to boost the educational structure, a collapse in the education system is inevitable in any part of the world.”
Ezekwesili said that education was essential for character building and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that its citizenry are given quality education.
She said “It is the sole responsibility of the state and federal government to ensure adequate and quality education across board.
According to her, teaching is a noble profession and there is a need for well trained teachers in public schools.
“No matter the structure and technology available in a school environment, if there are no qualified teachers nothing much can be achieved.”
Ezekwesili noted that between 2006 and 2007, there had been inadequate inspection of schools throughout the federation.
She said “Between 2006 and 2007, there was no comprehensive inspection of schools in the country”
” 60% of Nigerians are within the poverty bracket and it can only be broken by education.”
Earlier, in his contribution, former private secretary to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mr Odia Ofeimun, emphasised on the importance of a good education.
He added that good education makes an individual see issues from a different and more enlightened perspective.
“Education is supposed to be seen as a form of investment and not as some form of funding.
“Through education, Nigeria can be transformed to one of the world’s greatest economies.” He said.