Candidate of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP for Ibadan South East State Constituency I in the 2019 general elections, Mr Akindeji Ibukun Elijah has called on parents, stakeholders and others to support Governor Seyi Makinde in his move to restore the lost glory of the state in the education sector.
Akindeji in a statement made available newsmen on Sunday hailed the Governor for investing heavily in the education sector.
He said despite the fact that most people believe the free education policy cannot work, the Governor proved many wrong with the policy.
The statement read: “The great Oyo State was known for its brilliancy in Academic, skillfulness innovation, and Strategic way of achieving things, this was the general notion and absolutely true. But we were surprised and all lamented when Oyo State Education was suffering in the hand of tyrant and pseudo democrat, which led to poor Student Academic Achievement in Oyo State with 26th position out of 36 States in Waec Annual Ranking, this poor achievement in external examination persists until Makindr emerged as the Governor, as if Makinde was God-sent to sanitize the bastardized state of Education.
“Makinde is doing well, most especially in the education sector, just like our heroes past, he is making a giant stride to restore the lost glory of education in Oyo State.
“Makinde Totally Free education for all in primary and secondary schools is an amazing practice, which most people believe that it can’t possible in Oyo State, considering the economic status and the financial implication.
“Makinde massive recruitment into education sector, in both Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and Ministry of Education in Oyo State is already improving learning and facilitating students academic achievement, as Oyo State has left behind 14states of her contemporaries and moved from 26th postion to 11th position.
“It is empirically believed that motivation improves productivities, prompt payment and increment of salaries and arrears, receiving promotion as at when due are being given to Oyo State Teachers and allied educational officers.
“Teaching aids are being disseminated to schools, even to the farthest remote area, each student is being given all needed materials to facilitate easy assimilation and self practice strategies to improve learning and to serve as motivation to students and cater for the needs of indigent Students.
“The most amazing part is the huge budgetary allocation dedicated to Education by Makinde. We are already perceiving the differences between lesser than 10% allocation by the pseudo democrat and 18.37% by Makinde.
“However, Makinde has contributed his own part, how about the parents/guardians? Are they putting their best into monitoring and supervision of their wards? If education is free, it shouldn’t be taken for granted. The parents/guardians should as a matter of necessity support Makinde to achieve the goal of making Oyo State Education the best in Nigeria and beyond. Parent should teach their ward self discipline, and the needed values to achieve academic success and prepare them towards external examination.
“The Educational Stakeholders on the other hand should forget about political game and support Makinde with utmost loyalty to achieve the educational success. Oyo State agenda should supersede personal and sentimental drives.
“The government can incorporate parents in decision making process like that of South Africa, parents can contribute on matters that affect effective learning, curriculum development and how learning can be improved to achieve desired result.
“Thus, school that is known for thuggery, hooliganism and unseriousness could be monitored by PTA committee, our agenda is Oyo State and whichever things that’s in Oyo State deserves our attention.”