From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has asked Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) to champion the implementation of the Effective School Programmes (ESP).
The Commission said the implementation of the ESP would lead to increased investment in things that would improve learning conditions and processes, produce basic education graduates with effective life skills.
Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, gave the charge at a meeting with the SUBEB officials on the implementation of the Effective School Programmes (ESP), in Abuja, on Monday.
He said the desire of the Commission is to support SUBEBs towards implementing the minimum standards in all the schools previously designated as UBEC e-learning centres, stressing that equipping students with skills would enable them to effectively participate and compete favourably in the 21st century knowledge economy.
“As a Commission, we have considered the prime importance of investing in improving key aspects of Universal Basic Education (UBE) delivery with a view to having better outcomes.
“This resolve is what prompted our drive towards re-inventing the mechanisms for improved inputs and processes in the implementation of UBE activities, as this would be the safe guarantee of improved outcomes,” he said.
Dr. Bobboyi, further explained that ESP seeks to ensure collective actions at national and state levels in ensuring that prescribed minimum standards in basic education service delivery are attained, and further scaled up towards ensuring effectiveness of teaching and learning with commensurate learning outcomes.
“However, as the programme progresses, additional improvements would be made in the schools with the goal of meeting the minimum standards in basic education.”
In his remarks, the Dean of Chairmen, SUBEB, Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, said the transformation of e-learning programme into ESP would help improve the education outcomes of Nigerian students.
He said Nigeria is second in terms of literacy level in Africa, noting that the full implementation of the smart education would rank Nigeria as first in Africa.