The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has called on stakeholders at the 67th National Council On Education to identify the challenges of quality and access to education.
Mamman on Thursday reiterated that the 67th NCE conference, titled, ‘Addressing the Challenges of Policy Implementation: A Panacea for the Achievement of Education 2030 Agenda,’ sought to examine the critical issues that affected policy implementation in education putting into focus effective strategies that could lead to the attainment of education 2030 agenda and national growth and development.
The conference took place in Lagos and started on 11th to 15th December, 2023.
He said, “As policymakers, we must display greater courage and more commitment to our responsibilities to chart a better course for the educational advancement of our beloved country. As we deliberate during the sessions, we must reflect on identifying the challenges of quality and access to education, required infrastructure, and facilities vis a vis the quality of teachers required for the maximum implementation of the educational programmes.
“The shared commitment and partnership of Federal and State Governments remain critical in addressing the challenges of policy implementation and efficient execution of all educational programmes.”
He added that the NUC in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Education had also moved to a new level by embracing transnational education.
“The guidelines for this were launched in UK recently. This enables renowned universities in the UK to set up universities in Nigeria either by themselves or in partnership with Nigerian Universities.”
Also speaking, Minister Of State For Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, said the key plan of the educational reform initiative, was to address the challenges of policy implementation and explore all potential panacea for achieving ambitious educational goals.
He added, “The policy implementation challenges range from lack of financial resources to inadequate infrastructure, from political instability to social barriers, from insufficient teacher training to bureaucratic red tape.
“Therefore, to overcome these challenges, we must foster strong partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders at all levels. Governments, educational institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector must work closely to mobilise resources, share expertise, and align their efforts towards a common goal.”
Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Basic Education, Mr Tolani Alli-Balogun, advised the participants to share insights from the perspectives of their various states, identify and embrace strategies that had yielded desired results.
“More importantly, let us resolve to rededicate ourselves to ensuring that our policies are not just fantastic on paper but are actionable and implemented to achieve the desired result. Let us embrace innovation and be open to new ideas and strategies that are technology-driven and consistent with global best practice and the renewed hope agenda.”
