By Tosin Adesile
As part of efforts to ensure active participation of Education Stakeholders towards the Success of the Universal Basic Education, (UBE), the Human Development Initiative, (HDI), a Non-Governmental Organization which monitors Educational Projects with the support of Mac Arthur Foundation had organized an Education Summit at Ibeju-Lekki LCDA in Lagos to provide participants with knowledge on contents of the Lagos State SUBEB Action plan.The Executive Director, Mrs. Funso Owasonoye, in her welcome remark noted that the project was to ensure that children roaming about the street return to School adding that this can be achieved with the cooperation and support of all Stakeholders. She enjoined participants to take advantage of the Summit and replicate same in their various communities as well as monitor UBE Projects within their community and report any misdemeanor.
The facilitators at the event, Mr. Ibidapo Johnson and Mrs. Bolanle Dare spoke on ‘The free and Compulsory UBE Act(2004) and Stakeholders ‘ role in the UBE programme respectively noting that UBE is a nine year free compulsory and continuous programme for every child saying that UBE is free thereby no school administrator should charge sundry fees.
On the role of Stakeholders, the speaker stressed the need for all stakeholders to jointly monitor and help sustain facilities provided for the benefit of the children noting that it is the duty of everyone to see every child roaming the street as their child and be willing to challenge them anytime.
One of the participants,Mrs. Ebun Adegun stated in an interview described the training as timely and essential adding that all issues treated at the workshop will be acted upon on getting back to their respective Schools and Communities.
Participants at the events includes members of the School Based Management Committees, Parents’ Forum, School managers, Community Development Associations/Committees and Community leaders
“Eradicating illiteracy is a collective responsibility and should not be left in the hands of Government alone, while calling on Government at all tiers to provide enabling and conducive environment for learning to improve standard of Education”,Owasonoye Stressed.