QUESTION 11 OF 23 PRESIDING QUESTIONS FOR 2023 PRESIDENTIAL QUESTS: THEIR AMBITIONS VERSUS OUR CONVICTIONS

 


SECTION B: REVAMP OF PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

While recognizing the physical infrastructure milestones achieved by the Federal Government over the past few years in tertiary and primary schools through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) respectively, the humongous gap yet uncovered cannot be overlooked.

A dysfunctional Federation such as ours needs a President in 2023 who would openly acknowledge that adequate provision of appropriate physical infrastructure in all schools (primary, secondary & tertiary) across the nation can only be accomplished through a governance structural framework that delegates substantial “legal, geographic, administrative, political and economic” powers to the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

For Federal government-owned tertiary institutions, can’t there be an innovation I term a “Take, Bake & Name” policy (meaning take a specific physical facility within a school, renovate/upgrade/build it and the government will name it after you) to be ‘boisterously marketed’ to philanthropists & corporate organizations? Can’t this direct infrastructure funding mechanism be used by the undertaking entity to negotiate tax cuts with the Federal government if it will achieve desired infrastructure results across our dilapidated universities, polytechnics and other degree-awarding academic institutions?

As basic as toilets are, it was estimated in June 2019 by the Federal Capital Territory Water Board that “about 50 per cent of primary and secondary schools in the country need to be provided with toilet facilities in order to tackle the open defecation menace”. Apart from traditional chairs, tables and hostels, are there not infrastructure needs of Nigerian schools that will enhance the multi-potential spirit of the average Nigerian student for the 21st century? Shouldn’t the next President lead the contemporary revolution of physical infrastructure in all schools across the Federation in order for our educational products to be globally competitive?

In other words, don’t all schools require sufficient, functional & fully-kitted units of hostels, computer rooms, sports facilities, audiovisual studios for recording music & drama, multipurpose halls to enhance their presentation & public speaking skills, and many more?  

a. They do                b. They don’t           c. Physical infrastructure in schools should be limited to chairs & tables

 

Dr. Adetolu Ademujimi is a Medical Doctor, Author, Reformer, Coach and Public Policy expert who wrote in from Akure in Nigeria. Email: ademujimi@yahoo.co.uk; Twitter: @toluademujimi; Instagram: @adetoluademujimi; Linkedin: @adetolu ademujimi

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

From Marks to Market – Education is past passing WAEC and JAMB exams (ONDO 2025 - 2029)

Image
  Not minding this lengthy read, please note that formal and informal streams of education complement each other to form a wholly educated human whether in Ondo, Jigawa, Abia or even other parts of Africa and beyond our continent. For the umpteenth time, formal education is beyond the enhancement of reading, writing and technical/professional skills (although the three are critical skill sets for every learner) as elucidated in m y humble recommendations on 1 st November 2023 via an article titled “ Contemplating the Five Outputs of Contemporary Education: Tangible Mantra for Tahir Mamman-led Education Ministry ” ( https://sartoriusresources.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-five-outputs-of-contemporary.html ). In Ondo, ours is a State wherein individuals and government take pride in the attainment of enviable heights in the arena of formal education. Therefore, having Ondo State indigenes come out among high-flying candidates at West African Examination Council (WAEC) and Joint Admissi
Read more

Attaining our Stated Idanre Tourism Zone: Awakening our State’s Investment-Touting Zeal (Ondo 2025-2029)

Image
    Today, 27 th September 2024 is World Tourism Day, and our statement of proposition to the occupier of Ondo State’s Governorship seat from 24 th February 2025 to 23 rd February 2029 is a transformative set to revolutionize the economic landscape of Ondo State. It is called  Idanre Tourism Zone . To those who may be in the dark, tourism development is no longer an item to be seen as charity by government – Federal, State & Local. It is a business venture that requires intentional conceptualization of a clear tourism vision and deliberate utilization of executive & legislative powers of State to enhance collaboration with the private sector and multilateral organizations/development partners for its implementation. At Sartorius Resources , therefore, it is our responsible corporate opinion that Ondo State government can do more in this regard, using the State’s flagship famous tourist site – Idanre Hills , as a starting point via the proposed Idanre Tourism Zone.   Ba
Read more

Aketi's Candour - Our Country's Candle

Image
  He was an attorney, activist, administrator, advocate of good governance, family man and politician whom God crowned his multi-faceted career with the people’s mandate as Governor of Ondo State when he took the oath of office first on 24 th February, 2017 and for the second time on a similar date in 2021. Notwithstanding his imperfections like you and I, one trait stood him out in the crowd of Nigeria’s political actors; he was exceptionally frank! Truth is an indomitable and immortal antidote to political falsehoods, social half-truths, governance pretences, economic tricks, legal charades, and administrative shams, all of which are despicably synonymous with Nigeria’s recent history. Aketi was unshaken in conveying that truth. Despite his membership of the privileged class of political elite – the Nigeria Governors’ Forum – from 2017 till death, this courageous man often spoke as though he was a part of the dissatisfied and oppressed. Despite his membership of the ruling All
Read more