MINISTER DEAR…

“Well done! You have surpassed some expectations, and oh! A hearty congratulations on your good achievements this far!” If I were to chat with the Minister of Education today, these will be my first set of words to her. Does it sound flattery? Scheming? Or simply an innocuous remark?
Anyway, after the formal greeting and all, I will then proceed to ask her just one question… “What is the main role of education in our society?” Do we all know education is a fundamental human right which aims to improve knowledge and skills? But with the falling standard of education, don’t we sometimes wonder how this can be fully achieved? Most young people trust and prefer private schools to government owned schools because of the quality of education which fortunately have not been watered down…but what about those who cannot afford it?
This brings me to another subject that I would like to discuss with Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili. “What specific education related attention is being given to youths in distress circumstances?” Won’t we all like to see our education system stepped up a little to accommodate, encourage and create equal opportunities for refugees, street kids, immigrants, rural youths, physically challenged youths, orphans, etc. to have access to education?
Another area of emphasis will be about our education curriculum. It is seriously in need of reform in order for it to be of relevant to changes with times and improved ideas. We are not advocating for cheap education but for quality education that is relevant to youth employability and youth entrepreneurship. A quality education that allows room for co-operation and teaches about cultural heritage and global issues. A quality education that foster solidarity, mutual respect and understanding.
Most importantly, I will draw the attention of the Minister to the vital need to build modern infrastructures in our schools, especially in public schools. And the need for the provision of a continuous training scheme for our teachers and leaders at all levels to make them better in their field.
I will not suggest to our Honourable Minister to scrap JAMB, instead I will encourage her to collaborate with non-governmental organisations and other agencies to establish alternative programmes for non-JAMB minded youths. This will enable them acquire necessary skills that will equally assist them transit to full adulthood and make them active and productive citizens. WE CAN indeed and we should!
Now your turn… if you were to meet one of our Honourable Ministers in future, who will it be and what issues will you raise with him/her?