The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, last weekend, dazzled global and business leaders, policymakers and other participants at the LSE Africa Summit 2024 in London, United Kingdom, with the impact of his administration’s education sector reforms, reeling out how these reforms in the past seven and half years have improved learning outcomes, especially at the foundational level, tackling learning poverty.
The event was held with the theme, “African Minds Transforming Futures: Building Resilient Education Systems.” Obaseki who was a keynote speaker at the forum dazzled the participants with his lecture on, “The Future of Education in Africa: The Role of African Players in Advancing Education in Africa.”
Obaseki, while reiterating the need to sustain investment in education to effectively harness the potential and resourcefulness of Africa’s youthful population, said the continent’s youths hold the key to its sustainable growth and development.
“By 2050, Africa will have at least 33 percent of the global youth population and this population holds the key to shaping our world, our culture, and politics, among others. This gives us immense opportunity to reshape the world. However, a bulk of this population could become a liability if we do not invest in them.
“So, on one hand, we have this asset that holds the key to Africa’s future and development, and on the other hand is the challenges. I believe that if we have the political will and make strategic investments, build a resilient and dynamic education system, prioritize skills development to address global challenges, and encourage innovation and inclusive governance, we stand a very good chance of resolving and tackling these challenges.”
While identifying obstacles to improving education and youth development in the continent, the governor listed poor infrastructure, lack of teacher training, poverty level and digital divide in accessing necessary technology for education as major obstacles.
He stated, “So if we must build a resilient education system in the region, we must understand that education should not just be seen as constructing buildings and classrooms. It is more about igniting curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and empowering young minds to reach their full potential. We must focus on nurturing the flames of knowledge and inspiration transcending mere bricks and mortar.”
Sharing success stories of the State’s education sector reforms, Obaseki noted, “We had a unique experience when we came on board. We had a huge challenge in terms of education. Edo State at the time was a prime source for human trafficking and illegal migration. Between 2016 and 2017, we had more than 30,000 young Edo boys and girls who had got themselves to Libya to cross over to Europe.
“Our children were significantly underperforming academically; teachers needed more encouragement, support and modern tools and techniques; schools were not properly managed and there was no community ownership of basic education. At the time, the government lacked real-time concrete data for policy making and interventions.”
