The Ogun State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to providing quality education and promoting early childhood care, development, and literacy across the state.
This reaffirmation was made by the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, during stakeholders’ deliberation on creating awareness about the importance of investing in early childhood education at a meeting, organized by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Prof. Arigbabu emphasized that the state’s efforts are aligned with the current administration’s initiative on education, as here called his personal involvement in the annual enrollment drive across all four divisions of the state, aiming to sensitize and encourage parents and guardians to take advantage of the free education policy under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s leadership.
He explained that the goal is to reduce the number of out-of-school children by ensuring that every child who is supposed to be in school is enrolled.
“I want to assure you that the state will continue to maintain its leadership position and will not rest on our oars until every child that is supposed to be in school is in school,” Prof. Arigbabu affirmed.
Dr. Maroof Alausa, the Minister of Education, who was represented by the Chief Education Officer of FME, Mrs. Carissa Eyo, in the keynote address, emphasized the Nigerian government’s prioritization of early childhood education in the National Policy on Education.
He stressed that at least one year of pre-primary education should be compulsory for all children saying, “As we continue this campaign, let us remember that the foundation we lay for our children today will determine the future of our nation tomorrow,”
Dr. Alausa urged stakeholders to prioritize Early Childhood Care, Development, and Education (ECCDE) as a fundamental right for every Nigerian child.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MOES&T), Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, revealed that the introduction of the Nursery and Primary school nomenclature in public schools has significantly motivated parents and guardians to enroll their children, especially those aged 0-5 years.
She encouraged all stakeholders to collaborate and ensure that every child in the state has access to quality education.
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