Education stakeholders from across the Southwest gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State last week to explore how community associations can contribute to the region’s educational development. The summit focused on enhancing access and learning outcomes in basic education across Osun, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, and Lagos states.
Organized by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, the two-day event themed “Collaborating for Improved Learning Outcomes” was supported by the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), an initiative funded by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Keynote and Insights
DAWN Director-General Dr. Seye Oyeleye welcomed participants, highlighting the summit’s importance in revitalizing education in Southwest Nigeria. Reflecting on the 1955 free education policy’s success in the defunct Western Nigeria, Oyeleye stressed the need to reclaim the region’s leading status in education by prioritizing learning outcomes.
“The current state of basic education in the region demands our collective attention,” Oyeleye stated, noting significant challenges in student performance based on recent JAMB and WAEC statistics.
Contributions from Experts
Ian Attfield, Senior Education Adviser at the British High Commission, expressed optimism that the summit would yield policies aimed at revitalizing the education sector.
Dr. Adedeji Adeniran, Director of Research at the Centre for the Study of Economies of Africa (CSEA), presented on the “State of Education in the Southwest,” noting that the region’s population includes 46% of school-age children. He emphasized the historical impact of the free education policy on economic and educational outcomes, while also pointing out the global learning crisis affecting the region. Adeniran urged stakeholders to focus on foundational learning, measure educational progress, align systems, support teachers, and adapt teaching approaches.
Federal Government’s Commitment
Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, Director of Basic Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, provided updates on the Roadmap for the Nigerian Education Sector (2024-2027). She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring every Nigerian child has access to quality basic education, emphasizing the need for collective efforts from all education partners and stakeholders.
Moving Forward
The summit underscored the pivotal role of community associations in scaling up education in the Southwest. Stakeholders agreed on the necessity of collaborative efforts to address the challenges and improve educational outcomes in the region.
