The Oyo State Government would on Tuesday inaugurate its 31-member committee to look into the memorandum submitted by stakeholders on how to improve the quality of education in the state.

Gov. Abiola Ajimobi told newsmen in Ibadan on Monday that the Education Reform Initiative Committee was to bring on board more people with ideas on educational development.

Ajimobi, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo, said that all efforts were to ensure that stakeholders were carried along in the development of education in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had proposed a public/private participatory management of schools initiative to improve the quality of education in the state.

The initiative was, however, criticised by labour unions in the state which alleged that government was intending to sell the schools.

The governor said that committee would be chaired by an education expert while an officer in the Ministry of Education would serve as secretary.

The list included a nominee from the University of Ibadan and two from National Parents/Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Oyo State branch.

In the list were two nominees each from Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC)/Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigerian Congress of Principals of Public Schools (ANCOPPS) and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

There were also two nominees from Market Advisory Council, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Muslim Community, Community Leaders, Private Sector Education Practitioners/Consultants and traditional rulers as well as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.

The Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner for Information, Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Matters, three retired Civil/Public Servants and a nominee of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) were also members of the committee.

Ajimobi said the Education Initiative Stakeholders’ Forum had began work and resolved that government should widen the scope of consultation to accommodate more suggestions and models in addition to the ones presented and discussed.

“The deadline for the submission of memoranda as earlier announced was put at June 30, 2016.

“Sequel to this, proposals and memoranda have been received from members of public on the urgent need for the participatory management of public secondary schools in Oyo State.”

Speaking on the ongoing strike action embarked upon by the labour union in the state, he said much had been done to resolve the industrial impasse which led to the setting up of a negotiating committee.

Ajimobi solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders and members of the public in ensuring the progress of the state. (NAN)

•Photo shows Governor Ajimobi.

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