When the news of improving the quality of education in Osun filtered the air, I laughed. Sequel to this brave decision by the Osun State Government under the political leadership of His Excellency Gboyega Oyetola, few month before embarking on the review, I had earlier written few months ago criticizing the educational policy used by the government of the state.
My article was published virtually by major online newspapers across the nooks and crannies of the country. What is currently happening now in Osun is not a surprise to me.
Below are excerpts from my statement in the release:
“Some of the reasons adduced for this falling standard include the inadequate provision of facilities by the state government; non- maintenance of available facilities by the government; outdated and largely irrelevant textbooks and teaching materials, declining competence and commitment of teachers; parents’ nonchalance to children’s schoolwork/activities; lack of interest and seriousness on the part of students which lead to examination malpractice; the cankerworm of the “increase the state revenue” syndrome of the Osun government thereby neglecting their major primary role of provision of quality education; execution of nonstandard and fraudulent programs which weakens the system recently introduced by the state government.
“In a research recently carried out by the Association, It was found that Osun standard of education is falling at all levels as a result of inadequate supervision and acquisition of skills due mainly to poor government’s implementation of school curricula and learning facilities.”
But to be frank, who should be blamed, is it Governor Rauf Aregbesola who was genuine and original in his concept and who had a vision of one Uniform for all schools in Osun or the incumbent Governor, Governor Gboyega Oyetola who is copying and pasting Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s policies and programmes.
The problem with continuity of government in Nigeria is that the successors continue to make the same mistakes even more than his predecessors who had those dreams and policies. Their predecessors knew the major reasons why they designed those policies. It might be for their selfish gains or for the development of the masses.
To be frank, Governor Gboyega Oyetola had no clear focus about revamping the educational system of the State of Osun, during the campaign he was relying on the programme of his predecessor, Governor Rauf Aregbesola which now have negative effects on his governance and government policies.
Governor Gboyega Oyetola should act wisely in the review of his state’s educational policy. He should not step on the toes of his predecessor.
Wole Adedoyin sent this in from Ilesa, Osun State
