Preamble:
Oyo state Child Protection Network marked the day of the African child 2019. This day is usually celebrated on June 16 of every year. Activities started with a Jummah service at the Oyo state government secretariat the sit of government where the deputy governor of Oyo state accompanied by other law makers, civil servants and other men and women who are movers of opinions in Oyo state worship on Fridays. The sermon was devoted to giving children sound education as a means of averting social crises. The Imam noted that education is essential to human living and that the Quran and Sunnah lay emphasis on sound education.
Similarly on Sunday, the Christian members of the network worshipped at the Anglican Communion, Mapo, Ibadan. The church service was attended by eminent personalities.
Monday 17th June, 2019 witness a well-attended symposium at the GOSHEN EVENTS CENTER where about 200 school children, 18 Teachers, CPN members, the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, representatives of the National Association of Muslim Youths, (NACOMYO)and representatives of NASFAT…….
The discussants at the symposium included;
Prof. Grace Adejuwon – a Developmental Psychologist at the University of Ibadan
Dr. Adefunke Ekine – An Education Specialist
Princess Dolapo Dosumu – National Orientation Agency (NOA) Director
Mr. G.B Obatowun – Rep. Commissioner, Ministry of Education
Other dignitaries are;…………
Observations:
Recent JAMB cut off mark for Colleges of Education fixed at 120-140 out of 400 is nothing to write home about. Hence garbage in garbage out, as poor intakes will only produce poor outcome of teachers. “No education can rise above the quality of the teacher”
Ibadan or rather Oyo state has one of the largest numbers of school drop outs, about 470,440 as well as WAEC results.
Overcrowded classrooms and ill motivated teachers produce poor students- as overcrowded classroom are bound to put off the children.
Research has shown that quality education starts from pregnancy to age five, but government, parents and society pay insignificant attention to this age group below six years of age. Preschools are said to be many in Oyo state but are not well equipped and utilized by the children.
Parents lay emphases on the children’s certificates whereas quality education produces the “total man”. Certificate without character building produce badly behaved professionals because the half educated and the ignorant minds are the ones available for vices.
b. parents should ensure quality education because “when skills learnt are forgotten education suffices”
Failure of the informal system of education has been the main source of collapse of lots of values as a goal in life, what the child wants to become and lack of motivation from home.
The school system must be provided with well trained teachers, adequate infrastructure as well as good remuneration for the teachers.
There is need for collaboration between the government, children, teachers, parents and the school. Education is the responsibilities of all. The current Oyo state governor has made propositions to increase the budget for education to 10%. This is however, indicative of commitment on the part of the government
Recommendations
Education should start early with provision of good schools provided with;
Early child education specialists
Ratio of 1 teacher to 5 children (or maximum 10)
Schools should be inviting- provided with good structures and not dilapidated buildings and furniture
It is never too late to remodel teachers and students- giving a strong willingness from the government.
CPN can collaborate with NOA on the latter’s access “talks about ethical matters” in schools
Government should consider seriously refurbishing dilapidated schools, organizing training and retraining for teachers, reduce the number of students in each classroom and involving parents as collaborators in the school running project.
Advocacy was given to the Iyaloja of Ibadanland to enlighten the market women on the importance of instilling morals and proper upbringing of children. They were advised to fashion out ways of making themselves available for their children as parenting actually is synonymous to availability.
The sustainable development goals include “education for all”. Social vices is not limited or attributed to only a particular gender, hence quality education should not be limited to a particular gender.
Government should ensure the implementation of the existing rich and friendly education policies in order to make education accessible to all children.
To CPN: In future, PTA representatives, member of School Based Management Committees, Board of Governors Members, Teachers, Principals, NUT representatives, ANCOPS representatives should be involved in such a symposium.
COMMUNIQUÉ DEVELOPED BY: ADEGBORE, Abidemi Kafayat and Sururat OYERO
