By Mariam Abeeb
The federal government through Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has engaged with the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) Chairmen to strategize on the effective rollout of open schooling programme across the country.
At a meeting with Chairmen and directors of social mobilization of SUBEBs in Abuja, the executive secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, said if Nigeria make a headway in curtailing the growing number of out of school children, it must explore new approaches.
It would be recalled that UBEC introduced the Open Schooling system to improve enrolment, retention and completion of UBE programmes for Out-of-School Children in a flexible education system that allows participants to learn remotely in an informal manner.
According to him, the choice before us, is to adopt the Open Schooling mode that is capable of reaching a large number of learners while eliminating the barriers currently imposed by space and time.
Bobboyi also said that the mode has successfully been deployed by many countries that share similar characteristics with Nigeria to surmount the challenge of ensuring that opportunities are made available for children who cannot go to school.
“Executive Chairmen and Directors here present, as we try the Open Schooling mode at the pilot stage, the roles you will play are very crucial in the successful implementation of the programme through your leadership and dedication.
“As leaders at the grassroots level, you will play a pivotal role in the effective implementation of the Open Schooling Programme.
“Your responsibilities, as will be discussed at this meeting, are multi-faceted, ranging from identifying and mapping out of Out-of-School Children, appointment/deployment of Centre managers and facilitators, remuneration of the OSP personnel, providing adequate security for the OSP facilities, facilitating community engagement to encouraging enrollment while emphasizing on the inclusive nature of the programme.
“It is imperative that no child is left behind in our quest to achieve the UBE mandate. I urge you all to approach this endeavor with dedication and
passion. The success of the Open Schooling Programme rests on our
collective shoulders. Together, let us empower every child with the
gift of education, fostering a brighter future to our nation,” he added.
Earlier, the acting director of social mobilization, Dr. Ossom Ossom commended the executive secretary for his vision to improve basic education in the country.
However, he said there was a need to look at the alternative means of ensuring that all Nigerian children have quality education.
On his part, Dean of SUBEB chairmen, Prof. Shehu Adaramaja expressed commitment of the states to key into the open School initiative.
He, however, urged the government to consider expanding the programme to reach other states in the country.
