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some of the participants, listening with rapt attention |
This was unanimously
reached at the just concluded three days sensitization program organized by
Human Development Initiatives in Lagos.
People from different groups,
the CDA, CDC, PF, SBMC, WOPO and others from different local government in
Lagos all bared their mind on the way forward for a better monitoring of UBE
projects in schools across Lagos state.
In his words, Deacon Olusoji
Adams said, “I really commend HDI for the great job they are doing. At this point
in time, I want to implore the state government and UBE to make the allocation
of projects meant for schools in the state well spread. In a case where some
schools in a local government have three projects and none is given to some
schools in another local government, this is not right. The UBE Projects must be
well spread among schools across the state.”
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Deacon Olusoji Adams, a participant |
Olayemi Samuel, the research and
programme officer of HDI has praised people’s participation in seeing that
projects meant for execution are done accordingly. He said, “Initially, there
was low level of participation from the part of stakeholders when it comes to
the implementation of Universal Basic education projects, but now people are
monitoring projects meant for schools in their respective communities and this
has put many contractors on their
toes because they know that a third eye is watching.”
He stressed further that “People
living with disabilities are not taken into consideration when they are
constructing some of these schools. We advocated that structures put in place should
be able to accommodate people living with disabilities. For instance, someone
using wheel-chair should be able to access classroom, offices; toilet and all
of that. These are some of the things we have put before Lagos SUBEB.
“Reacting to the prospect of
their quest concerning project execution in schools, Samuel said, “As it is
now, the development in education keep on increasing day by day. In the past people
did not have access to grants meant for schools in their areas, but now the
story is different. We have same project going on in Kano, Enugu and FCT,
Abuja.
“As a result of our advocacy to
government and relevant institutions, there are improvements; Lagos has just
access 2017, Kano too. FCT has access 2016, these are improvements. The state
has to carry the citizen along, if you are implementing a project and citizen
are not in the know how, this might give a contractor the opportunity to either
abandon the project or provide a sub-standard materials for the projects when there’s
lack of adequate monitoring.”
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Participants at the program |
He said Government and SUBEB have
a lot to do by engaging the citizens, and other groups like SBMC, PTA; CDC;
CDA, Parent Forum, students and others for their full participation in
monitoring projects that are meant for their areas.
Mrs Joy Odigbo; a member of
Parents Forum representing Mainland in her reaction commended the effort of
HDI, she said, “If other NGO’S in the state could follow their footstep, our
educational system in the state and Nigeria as a whole would be of great height.
I want government to work more on renovation of schools. Sometime last year we
raised our voice about a cracked fence in one of the schools in our area,
Mobolaji Bank Anthony School, Sabo, we spoke to people in authority and up till
now nothing has been done. I want to call on parents and members of the public
not to fold their arms and watch; everybody should see that the welfare of our
children, teachers, the principal and others in the school environment and
beyond is considered very important.”
Tunde Famu in his word said everybody’s
contribution towards a better educational system in Nigeria will facilitate a
better future for our children. He said a team work involving all stakeholders for
the realization of a better tomorrow should be everybody’s goal.
He also implored government to
put more funds in education and spread projects across the state.
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Mrs. Joy Odigbo, a participant |
Oluwatoyin Towobola, executive
director Women Protection Organization (WOPO) has called for the involvement of
SBMC, Head teachers and CSO on projects meant for schools. She said by getting
them involved; there would be a better monitoring of project execution. She
added that, “Involving the above mentioned people will help determine what a
school really need and the aspect of monitoring too would be effective.”
Toyin Clay Bendal in her own
submission said parents must not fold their arms. She said it is a task for
everybody to see that proper monitoring is carried out; so that we can have a
better tomorrow.
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