Need for state and federal ministries of education to come to the aid of private schools, by Fatai ADEWUYI

Need for state and federal ministries of education to come to the aid of private schools, by Fatai ADEWUYI

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Education being vital in the growth of a nation and its being in the concurrent list of power-sharing relationship, adequate attention ought to be paid to its funding and modus operandi. Since both states and federal governments cannot provide adequate education accessibility for the teeming population of Nigeria, the need for private involvement in establishing and funding schools became inevitable. The Nigerian educational code allows for private provision of education. That is why we have private secondary schools and universities around.

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However, it is unfortunate that private schools’ owners have been neglected in the scheme of educational funding both by the state and the federal governments. And this is unfair since they are assisting governments in running schools they supposed to be granting aids or funds as it was done during colonial era and immediately after independence.

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This write up is therefore written to seek for return to the old order since education is vital and paramount. The governments can begin to assist private schools’ payment of staff salaries and building some infrastructures. Though there should be laid-down criteria for private schools to meet before entitlement to such aids or assistance. This will go a long way in increasing the standard of education as many schools will improve to meet the requirements and qualify for the grants. This will further give room for heathy competition among private schools and reduce the proliferation of private schools as substandard ones will pack out of the market.

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I strongly believe that if this idea is given a trial, our educational system will be a wholistic one and unified. May this idea be given a favourable consideration. Amen.

Adewuyi is principal, Rahmat College, Ogbomoso. 08130851574.

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