The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has advised Local Governments and spirited philanthropists to join Governor Biodun Oyebanji to fight the scourges of out- of- school children and incidences of school dropouts in the State.
Mrs Afuye stated that Governor Oyebanji’s government has zero tolerance for school dropout and out- of -school children due to financial incapacitation, saying this necessitated the declaration of free education at both primary and secondary school cadres to buffer the burdens on parents.
Mrs Afuye gave the charge in Ikere Ekiti, on Monday, at the flag off of the distribution of educational materials to indigent pupils in primary and secondary schools in the council, organised by the wife of the Chairman of Ikere Local Government, Mrs Iyabo Adamolekun.
Instructional materials distributed to pupils drawn from schools in the council at the “Back to School Support” programme include: school bags, exercise books, Mathematical set among others.
Addressing the stakeholders, Mrs Afuye, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said the programme was spearheaded by the council fully aligned with the Human Capital Development of the Governor Oyebanji-led administration.
Mrs Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in her Office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, appealed to all Ekiti spirited individuals and Local Governments to join the battle and raise the efficacies of policies being initiated to tackle the menace.
“Though, Ekiti has one of the lowest school dropout and out- of- school children rate in Nigeria due to good policies of our government, but we want our councils, philanthropists, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to always remember the children of the poor and contribute for them to have access to education”.
She stated that Governor Oyebanji reasoned that for the community to develop, the human capital must be focused on, disclosing that this accounted for why opportunities were being provided for children and youths in the education sector to build their mental capacities.
Mrs Afuye said it was in a desperate attempt to improve the standard of education that Governor Oyebanji continually recruit qualified teachers to fortify the sector and bolster students’ performances in external examinations like WAEC and NECO.
She added that the Governor also approved housing and vehicle loans for primary school teachers to boost their morale, saying this policy was a novelty in the history of Ekiti State.
“Before now, teachers in primary schools who are graduates always had their promotions terminated on grade level 14, but the governor had created a cadre for them. They can now rise to level 16. With the support of teachers, I know that things will get better in the education sector.
“I appeal to teachers to impact sound knowledge in these tender children. The government is working hard to improve your standards, please, let us reciprocate by working hard, honestly and dedicatedly, to develop the future of our dear state in education sector”.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairperson of the Council, Mrs Iyabo Adamolekun, described the policy as a unique opportunity to back Governor Oyebanji’s support for parents who lack the financial wherewithal to provide educational materials for their wards.
Mrs Adamolekun alluded to education as the best weapon to unlock the potentials of children and youths and make them productive under the 21st century economy in the future, saying no amount is too huge to be expended in the sector.
She said the council under her husband, Hon. Olu Adamolekun, will ceaselessly intensity efforts to provide support that will buffer the financial burdens on parents and ensure that no child of school age is impeded from accessing schools on account of financial encumbrance.
A Commissioner in the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Olufunke Fajobi, promised that all the dilapidated buildings across the primary schools in the state will be rehabilitated to make learning conducive and attractive.
Dr. Fajobi revealed that Governor Oyebanji had given approval for the training of 500 teachers to further sharpen their mental horizons, while promotions will be effected as and when due to buoy the morale of teachers.
The wife of Ogoga of Ikere, Olori Olufunmilola Adu, described the programme as a soul-lifting policy for both and parents and pupils, saying it will lessen the financial burdens being experienced by parents in the training of their wards.