Nigerians Brainstorm On Path To Quality Education

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By;  MATTHEW  UKACHUNWA,  Lagos
Intellectuals, veterans, elder statesmen and women have proffered solutions on how to revive the decadent standard of education in Nigeria through qualitative teaching and intensive learning.
For example, Funke Adekoya (SAN), proposed that scholarship should be given to the top 10 per cent pass in school examinations.
“Those who graduate on top of their class should be given automatic employment as teachers to enhance the quality of teaching which will enhance the quality of learning, “  Adekoya who works with Aelex Legal Practitioners and Arbitrators advocated.

The senior advocate said she was prompted to make the suggestion because she is frightened by the rising semi-illiterate 15-16 year old population, among others, currently churned (out) by the country’s education system. Her fear is premised on reality that this generation  will in 30 year future time be directing policies in the country.
A nonagenarian elder statesman, Chief Obafemi Olapadfe, recommended the re- introduction of  the system of travelling teachers and education inspectors of old.
Also, he advised that Nigerian children should start learning with vernacular.  He cited example with China which starts its children’s lesions in Chinese language.
Olapade’s opinion was supported by Chief Folake Solanke, Nigeria’s first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).  Solanke said:  “Inspectors should go to classrooms to see how teachers are teaching.  Before you can say that a teacher is good go to the class and see how he or she is teaching.”
Arc. Lanre Solanke, another senior citizen, urged Nigeria to learn  lessons from China, Japan and Sweden where teachers are classified as the most important professionals.  “Teachers,” he proposed, “should be paid more than other professionals.”
Other speakers on the subject “Schooling Without Learning” which was the theme of 2017 Aelex annual lecture  series held in Lagos recently observed that subjects are allocated short lesson time  and that different classes of students are lumped together.
“Government should develop curriculum from 0-5 years; and children from 0-5 years should be taught to translate to local languages to communicate,” stated Madam Omolara Otujo, a mathematician.
According to the elder stateswoman, “government needs to concentrate on foundation of education because it is only when we build the foundation that we can get the best nation.”
In his own opinion, 45 year old educationist, Dr. Adamu Jatau Noma summed up the discourse. He emphasized that Nigeria’s school system has to transit from schooling without learning to schooling and learning, schooling for learning, schooling by learning and learning and schooling in order to achieve the expected transformation.
Mrs Adora Ojo, former Principal, International School, University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Ms. Swanta Blessing Bonat, Principal, Kataf Youth Christian Academy, Kaduna were also discussants at the event held in Lagos. Chief (Mrs.) Folake Solanke (SAN) was the chairperson of the occasion.  xxx

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