The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said it was set to introduce Student Personal Identification Numbers in primary and secondary schools for proper data system and policy formulation. Dr Idiat Adebule, the Deputy Governor, who oversees the state Ministry of Education, made the disclosure at a news conference to highlight the strategic focus on the sector in 2016.

Adebule said that the ID would enable the government know the number of pupils and students in the state, to aid proper policy formulation on education. She said it would help the government to meet the dynamic needs in the education sector.

The deputy governor said the government had also banned the use of public schools for social functions, warning that any school administrator who flouted the directive would be punished.

“The Governor has directed that schools will no longer be used for social activities any longer.

“We want to implore members of the public to report any school that violates this directive and we would ensure that defaulting schools are sanctioned accordingly.”

Adebule also said the state government was putting a searchlight on the standard of education in the private school. She said that the government would partner with private schools to ensure they follow due process by adhering to the laws guiding their establishment. According to her, it will no longer be business as usual for private schools that undermine best practices.

On the Eko Project of the previous administration, she said the project, in collaboration with the World Bank, was supposed to wind up in 2015, but had been extended till June 2016. “After June, we shall fully commence the Ibile schools project. Education is a dynamic sector and we have to move with the trend to meet global standard and compete at the international scene.

“On the A-Meal-A-Day programme for primary schools, we are working on the framework and also awaiting the financial support of the Federal Government as certain percentage would be given to support the states.”

Adebule said that core teachers and those who studied education would be employed in primary schools, being the foundation of education. She urged residents to get themselves educated by utilising the education programmes provided by the government to reduce the high rate of illiteracy in the state.

In his presentation, Mr Obafela Bank-Olemoh, Special Adviser on Education to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, said the 2016 budget on education would enrich education experience, enhance teaching methods and improve students’ performance.

Bank-Olemoh said that the government was aware of the challenges of overcrowding in schools, dearth of teachers, adult literacy and declining quality of graduates and would ensure that they were tackled.

“Plans are underway to recruit 1, 300 teachers in primary schools, provide furniture in schools, train teachers and ensure easy access to education for all residents.

“In 2016, we are going to commence the construction of 10 new model schools - the ‘Ibile Schools’ – under the 360 Degrees Education Policy, fully equipped with state of the art learning facilities to improve teaching and learning.

“The E-Learning devices – the Ibile Tablets – would be introduced soon, starting with the senior secondary schools who would be writing WAEC soon.

“The state’s vocational and technical schools are working with the government on the procurement, repairs, replacement and maintenance of the devices to ensure sustainability.” Bank-Olemoh said that public and school libraries would be refurbished and a digital library would be established as obtained in Egypt.

He also said that parents would be highly engaged in their children’s education through the ‘Parents Open House’ programme in primary and secondary schools.

In his remarks, Mr Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said that over 17 per cent of the budget was allocated to education to improve the sector.

N86 billion has been earmarked for education in the state's 2016 budget in a bid to revamp the sector. (NAN)

•Photo shows Deputy Governor, Idiat Adebule.

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