LAGOS EDUCATION POLICY WITH A WORLD CLASS DOCUMENT
The new draft of the Lagos Education policy has been described as the best in Nigeria and no push over document when compared with the top three education systems in the world.
The former Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Ojo, Professor Peter Okebukola made this assertion at the Stakeholders Engagement forum on the Lagos Education Policy review.
Okebukola, the guest speaker revealed that when they got the draft Policy document, he and his team reviewed it is both contemporary and futuristic in orientation. It has provisions for the contemporary issues as well as future directions of education in Lagos State. He noted that other distinct and distinguishing features are that the document is comprehensive, detailed and well aligned with the National Policy on Education in terms of structure and framework.
Compared with the three leading world, education policy documents, Professor Okebukola said it compares with the Finish Policy aimed at providing equal opportunities for all citizens to high-quality education and training; It is also in tender with the new South Korean vision which seeks to promote flexibility and creativity on how the students address the new challenges of the 21st Century.
The Lagos State Policy on Education according to the front line Scholar reflects similar thinking with the Singapore Education Policy which aims at the development of the kind of world-class work force that would be required to fulfil the very ambitious economic goals set for the nation.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State in her keynote address commended Stakeholders for awaiting the government opinion on the policy review. She noted that the process of the review of the 30 years old document started with need analysis, which included issues that triggered the review as well as policy gaps, the Policy Contract, which was signposted by an outreach to the experts and known Stakeholders.
She identified the third stage as the Research and Drafting process which preceded the Consultation that was the crux of the engagement form of the day.
Speaking earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye said the intervention of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode in terms of construction of classroom blocks, laboratories, supply of furniture, strengthening of security, staff motivation etc have combined to create a better environment for teaching and enhanced learning outcomes.
Stakeholders at the event lauded the initiative of the State Government to review the three decades old education policy of the State. The commendations were contained in the contributions of various groups including ANCOPSS, the Media, NECO, JAMB, Parents Forum, DFID/DEEPEN, Traditional rulers and NGO’s or who were unanimous in urging the government to ensure proper implementation and monitoring of the new policy.
