Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom has Dr. Dalhatu Tafida, has called for a paradigm shift in policy making and budget implementation in the education sector.

Tafida made the remarks at the inaugural conference of the Association of Nigerian Academics (ANAUK) with the theme: “Democracy and Education in Nigeria: What Hope for the Current and Future Generations?’’ on Saturday night in London.

Tafida, who was represented by his Special Assistant, Mr Sola Enikanolaiye, said “We need a paradigm shift in policy making and implementation; our budgeting system must change.

“The concept of ‘envelopes’ must give way to needs-based, performance budgeting. Money voted must be adequate, it must be released on time. It must be spent on identified projects within the educational system.

“In a knowledge-based global economy, Nigeria can only be competitive if the rot in the educational sector is addressed and redressed.

“For Nigeria to meet the vision 20: 2020, education reform is a vital component,” the envoy said.

Tafida noted that increased funding was a key to the improvement of the sector.

He, however, added that governments at all levels must fund the education sector including addressing the talent environment, class rooms, science equipment, text books, teaching aids and sporting facilities.

“We must upscale funding to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on education and also address the gender imbalance in this vital sector,’’ he stressed.

The envoy called for change in curriculum development that would meet the future needs of an emerging economy like Nigeria.

Tafida also called on Nigerian Universities to adopt a global approach to teaching and learning by fostering partnerships and collaboration with their counterparts across the globe.

He noted that the U.K still offered great opportunities just as it had done in the past.

Earlier, the President of ANAUK, Mr Adedamola Aminu, said the body sought to support the effort of government in the improvement of the nation’s educational system.

“ANAUK aims to develop and promote professionals, academic and business networking among members.

“With this in mind, we also seek to support government in finding solutions to some of the many problems militating against access to education, efficient and effective delivery of quality education in Nigeria,’’ Aminu said.

The objectives of ANAUK include attracting experts and academics of Nigerian origin in the Diaspora, encouraging temporary relocation and healthy movement of scholars to Nigeria.