…Governor: I’ll Do More For Education Despite Limited Resources
The All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) has honored Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, with Distinguished Award of Excellence for positively turning around the fortunes of education in the Land of Honor.
ANCOPSS National President, Mr. Anselm Izuagie, who decorated Fayemi at the opening ceremony of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting holding in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, said the Ekiti Governor has committed enormous resources to reposition the education sector.
Izuagie said the body also found Fayemi, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, worthy of the honor “for his outstanding contributions to the knowledge economy and social security” which are novel policies aimed at making life better for the people of the state.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Deputy Governor, Odunayo Ogunmola, the theme for the ANCOPSS NEC, tagged Ekiti Kete 2020 which ends on Thursday is: “Functional Qualitative Secondary Education in Nigeria: The Way Forward.”
Speaking through the first National Vice President, Alhaji Umar Ubangari, Izuagie hailed Governor Fayemi for education-friendly policies like abrogation of levies on pupils in public schools through Executive Order 001, payment of running grants for smooth management of schools, training and retraining of teachers, rehabilitation of public schools, payment of WAEC fees for all students and the provision of free JAMB forms.
Izuagie said ANCOPSS was delighted with Governor Fayemi for provision of textbooks, instructional materials and science equipment, employment of more teachers into public schools, provision of computers to boost ICT training in schools and reintroduction of Principals’ Cup football competition in Ekiti.
He said: “I am most grateful for granting us this opportunity to host this meeting and interact with one of Nigeria’s jewels; the Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, who is our chief host.
“Governor Fayemi is distinguished son of the soil, second-time Governor of this state, a voice of reason, stability, and peace in the Nigerian nation, a vibrant and pragmatic democrat who believes that the secret of leadership is the well-being of his people. “Your Excellency, these achievements are testimonies of your exemplary character as an ordained leader. “These are testimonies to of your concern and love for education which has improved on our services in your state and made it the most learned state in Southwest and by extension, Nigeria.
He urged Governor Fayemi to use his position as a Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman and a prominent voice in Nigeria to draw the attention of the federal government to the problems facing education in the country. Izuagie, however, deplored the physical condition of public schools in many parts of Nigeria which need urgent repairs urging the appropriate authorities to join hands with ANCOPSS to salvage the situation. The ANCOPSS chief advocated a better change of attitude by federal and state governments towards revamping education advocating better funding and provision of human and material resources.
He further canvassed for the extension of retirement age of teachers to 65 years to urgently address the dearth of teachers in the industry and avoid committing children of school age to inexperienced teachers. Governor Fayemi expressed gratitude to ANCOPSS for the award which he described as a tonic to do better for the education sector. The Governor described principals as managers of secondary schools who are important stakeholders in the education industry. He explained that gains made by his administration in education are underscored by its desire to leverage on the advantages that Ekiti has in the sector, in line with the 5th pillar of his government’s development agenda.
Governor Fayemi said: “The designs of this administration for the education sector are immense. Prevailing circumstances have however slowed down its pace at actualizing all these designs. “It is with this realization that I would once again like to commend the managers of our public secondary schools in respect of their cooperation with the government in this regard.
“Our principals are managers of our secondary schools. They are indispensable partners with government in its bid to effectively use the resources available to it to provide quality education to its citizens.”
Last modified: February 26, 2020
