Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, emphasized that education is the bedrock of any progressive society and a foundation for a better future.
Sanwo-Olu made this statement on Friday during the opening ceremony of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Retreat for the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, he declared the retreat open and noted the significance of the retreat’s theme, “Basic Education Implementation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward.”
He urged participants and resource persons to identify and address the challenges confronting basic education in Nigeria, proposing ways to improve it.
“In Lagos State, we recognize that the quality of basic education determines the strength of our future leaders, the vibrancy of our economy, and the cohesiveness of our communities. That is why we must address the issues and challenges hindering the effective implementation of basic education across Nigeria with the utmost seriousness and candor it deserves,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He called on the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission to engage in open discussions about the issues facing basic education, particularly inadequate infrastructure.
Sanwo-Olu pointed out that many schools nationwide lack the necessary facilities to provide a conducive learning environment. He stressed the importance of investing in teachers’ training, professional development, and welfare, and finding innovative approaches to attract and retain passionate and qualified educators.
He also highlighted the disparities in educational access and quality between urban and rural areas and called for efforts to ensure that every child, regardless of gender, location, or parental background, enjoys equal opportunities for quality education to bridge the gap and foster equity.
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Hamid Bobboyi, also spoke at the event, stressing the need to provide qualitative basic education in the overall interest of Nigerian children.
