Issues

State Of Emergency In Education Sector Revisited

Published

14 years ago

June 8, 2010

About three years ago, I wrote an article entitled “The State of Emergency in Education”. In the article, I ex-rayed the problems in education in Nigeria and proffered some possible solutions that were in consonance with the spirit and letter of words powerfully spoken by Kevin Rudd when he said, “Education is both a tool of social justice as well as a fundamental driver of economic development.”

I parsimoniously stated that education is one of the most important factors that not only sustain the culture, including the democratic principles, but also it empower an individual and determine his/her worth in a competitive economy. I alluded that the essence of a qualitative education in a burgeoning democracy is imperative particularly in a global economy. I added that education system in Nigeria is in a state of crisis.

In Nigeria, it is understood that the basic right of all children is basic education. And the tenets of Universal Basic Education (UBE) program of the Federal Government hold that all Nigerian children of school age should acquire, at least, basic education. The country’s constitution capaciously requires that primary education be compulsory and free. The question is: has the government dropped the ball by not fulfilling its obligations? There seems to be a gamut of empirical evidence that Nigeria has an increasing number of dropouts at both primary and secondary school levels and low adult literacy continues to be a perennial problem to various administrations.

Sadly, many problems in Nigeria’s education system have not been addressed by those in charge. The fundamental problems that have been widely overlooked which gave rise to this phenomenon are our collective failure to teach students how and the reason to learn, including our failure to provide the students with an educational environment enriched with meaningful and challenging curriculum. The country has failed our students in many ways, especially in our inability to upgrade our system to the world standard. Equally critical is our collective attitude—the society’s emphasis on accumulating wealth, which has trumped the value of education. Unfortunately, the Nigerian society has directly or indirectly taught our children to value accumulation of money more than the acquisition of knowledge, cognitive, and problem-solving skills.

The consequences of the phenomenon are daunting. The seemingly lack of adequate knowledgebase and high-order thinking skills to propel the national economy produces perennial cycle of poverty. In addition, our youth are preoccupied with an elusive chase for wealth which prompts them to engage in unbecoming actions. Though benighted Nigerian administrations have the capacity and resources to readily erect a world class education system that would be the envy of many countries, yet they continue to fail our children and the nation. Even when they tout the benefits of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme, yet they continued to be pertinacious in stifling the entire education system. What a perversity! Obviously, it is assumed that those who are at the corridors of power, particularly those who occupied the position of “Minister of Education”, do not realize that educational attainment and economic achievement are intertwined and a sound policy is required in the area. Indeed, it is frightening!

Sad still, our attitude toward education coupled with lack of government’s sustainable education policy has led the education system in shambles. Unfortunately, the staggering reality is education system in Nigeria has been increasingly decaying over the years without any substantive intervention by the policymakers who should have been perspicacious and honest in discerning and implementing programmatic remedies. Nigeria’s failed education policy has resulted in certificates and transcripts from Nigerian universities being looked at with utmost disdain by other countries. And now the current administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has the daunting task of correcting years of neglect and anomaly in Nigerian education system. I strongly hope that President Jonathan will address the problems urgently.

Well, in the face of the problems, I did recommend an urgent top-down review of educational structure, including revamping educational curriculum at primary, secondary, and university levels with total infusion of moral education in an effort to massively overhaul the system for optimum standards. There should be more emphasis in funding increase of education and quality of teachers with equally strict accountability. The government should spend more on programs coupled with a decent salary for teachers. In the same token, teachers would be made to be more accountable in order to keep their job.

Teachers should receive necessary training to perform their job and the training should be continuous. Also, teachers should be evaluated based on student performance at primary and secondary levels. At the university level, they should be evaluated based on their teaching, research, and publication abilities. The education system should not have any room for mediocre teachers at all levels. Quality teachers should be rewarded and retained while ineffective teachers should leave the profession.

In Nigeria’s education system, there should be more local control of primary and secondary education with strict accountability parameters enforced by the state and federal governments. Each local education system must come up with meaningful accountable and measurable plans to address the problems of dropout and adult literacy. Compulsory education would be better enforced at the local level than at the state or federal level. Local control would seem to reduce the large bureaucracy that clogs the wheel of efficiency and effective implementation of programmes. The state and Federal Governments should have palatable incentives for the most achieving local education systems.

Nigeria should pay rigorous attention to science and technology, research and development, and liberal arts meshed in high standards and rigorous curriculum to overcome years of low educational quality in the country. To promote equal opportunity and rid the country of poverty, quality education would be at the heart of such effort. Perhaps more indicative of the economic value of education is in the high productivity and earning power of workers with quality education.

I believe that the appalling state of education in Nigeria could be ameliorated if consistent and sustainable corrective measures are taken with long-term planning and monitoring immediately. The problem has reached a critical mass and it is believed that President Goodluck Jonathan will deal with the issue aggressively. Similarly, in Imo State, there are some laudable measures being taken by the Ohakim administration to address the problems in the education sector.

In his address at the Imo State Stakeholders Forum early this year, Gov Ikedi Ohakim alarmed, “One of the worrying issues for this state is the general decay in the educational system. Not only have infrastructure collapsed, standard has fallen abysmally. Indiscipline is rife, cultism is the norm, sorting is the culture. Government is determined to tackle the rot in our educational system. Government is living up to its responsibilities of ensuring the delivery of accessible, qualitative and functional education, because the 21st century will be knowledge-driven.

The Michael Okpara College of Agriculture Umuagwo was upgraded to the status of a Polytechnic. Government released the sum of N45 million for accreditation of 10 programmes of the institution. Government also recruited 91 academic and 38 non-academic staff to enable the institution to get full accreditation. The State, during the period under review, completed the handover of Alvan Ikoku College of Education to the Federal Government.”

“There was also a reduction of school fees from N8,000 to N3,700. Those quoting some totally wrong figures should desist from causing confusion. To further boost education and rehabilitate all educational infrastructures in the state, the first phase of the Education Endowment Fund was launched in the 27 local governments in the state on 28 December 2009. We intend to raise over N52 billion… In 2010, the State Government will embark on the policy of disarticulation and re-articulation of Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in the State in order to reduce cost and make teachers available for teaching functions.”

Gov Ohakim continued, “This year also we will commence the handover of schools to their missionaries owners. It is important to understand why we are implementing this policy. There is urgent need to rebuild the character of youths through moral education. We want to challenge the Church leadership to re-invent the strict discipline that was the hallmark of education on the part of teachers and students. The policy will also allow government enough elbow room to play its traditional role of regulating education and enforcing standards. This will ensure that we produce graduates who are worthy in character and learning. Government will, however, be responsible for the payment of teachers’ salaries for the first two years in the schools handed over to missionaries. Government also guarantees the payment of the retirement benefits of teachers involved in the handover process during the period of transition.”

“The missionaries will be responsible for day-to-day management of their schools, but Government, through the Ministry of Education, will ensure standards and protect the welfare of staff and students. Government expects the cooperation of all concerned in implementing these policies, especially the disarticulation and re-articulation of schools,” Gov Ohakim added.

Again, I accede to James A. Garfield’s powerful avowal when he said, “Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be maintained.”

Dr. Orabuchi, Ph.D., is an Opinion Writer and Adjunct Professor in Dallas, Texas, USA

Acho Orabuchi

Issues

Investing In Nyesom Wike: A Story Of Dedication, Sacrifice And Ultimate Loss

Published

1 week ago

April 10, 2024

The Tide

In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.

Tele Ikuru

Issues

Is Okocha A Happy Man Being Perpetual Hireling?

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2024

The Tide

The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?

Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .

Bernard C. Idike

Issues

Day Asari-Toru Declared Massive Support For Fubara

Published

1 month ago

March 11, 2024

The Tide

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.