INCREASED BUDGETARY ALLOCATION: MINISTRY TO SCALE UP STANDARDS- Education Commissioner
With increased budgetary allocation to the education sector in Kogi State, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, is set to scale up the standard of education even to the grassroots, making technical education paramount in the task.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones (FCIB), gave the assurance on Monday when the Odu Old Students Association Excecutives paid the ministry an advocacy visit.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pastor Emmanuel Idenyi, the Commissioner assured all education stakeholders in the state that things would get better with increased budgetary allocation to the ministry; adding that technical education and all other areas would be well covered.
“With increased allocation to the ministry this year, it is sure that every nook and crannies of our schools will experience infrastructural development including water facility; and that is why I am assuring you that things will get better as we enter the next session.
“As the budget has been presented, it will soon be passed. I am sure by January we will complete that. Your coming is timely and you will not be left out,” he said.
Jones said the state government had in 2020 upgraded four technical schools in Ankpa, Idah, Mopa and Obangede and recently, additional 17 were recognised in the current budget, so that each local government area of the state could have a standard technical college.
He also said the ministry is capturing the Arts Courses in its programmes as well; as the Ministry’s focus is now on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
He called on all Old Students Associations and other relevant groups to contribute their quota by keying into the school adoption and mentorship programme of the Ministry; saying the government cannot do it alone.
Earlier, the Chairman of Odu Old Students Association, Engr. Sunday Anaja, said the purpose of their visit was to appeal to the state government to resuscitate Odu Technical School; promising full support in this regard.
He said technical education should be encouraged as it could equip the teeming youth with required skills to be self sustained and ultimately reduce youth restiveness and insecurity in the society.
Engr. Anaja commended the state government for giving education topmost priority and the management of the ministry on the war against substandard schools.
He, therefore urged the ministry to uphold the state education law to the letter.
Modupe Adegboro
PRO, MOES&T.