Diri calls for stronger private sector, traditional institutions’ involvement in education reform
By Tapre Timine, Bayelsa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has outlined the importance of engaging the private sector and traditional institutions in the implementation of the Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria (EYEN) project, supported by UNESCO and the European Union.
Diri made the call on Tuesday during the official launch and inauguration of the State Steering Committee for the second phase of the EYEN project at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Yenagoa. He was represented at the event by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
He stressed the need for private schools to be actively involved in all educational initiatives, particularly those focused on enhancing teachers’ capacity, noting that they constitute a significant component of the state’s educational landscape.
“A great number of pupils and students attend private schools in the state,” Diri said, advocating for proprietors of these institutions to be included in critical capacity-building programmes.
He noted that challenges such as inadequate supervision, absenteeism, and irregular teacher postings not a shortage of teachers remain major obstacles in the state’s education sector.
Concerning the role of traditional institutions, Governor Diri pointed out that community leaders could play vital roles in curbing teacher absenteeism and ensuring accountability.
He said, “Every school is located in a community, and so community leaders should also play a supportive role, especially in the area of checkmating truant teachers.”
The Governor reassured his administration’s commitment to prioritizing education, expressing gratitude to UNESCO and the European Union for their continued support through the EYEN project.
He remaked, “We thank UNESCO and the European Union for this support you have given to us; it is a shot on the arm of our educational policies and drive.”
He also called attention to the oversight of excluding the private sector, stating, “We make the mistake by thinking that the private sector are on their own. No, they are not on their own. That is the mistake we are making even in the health sector. They are part of the system delivering education, so we can’t keep them all out.”
Governor Diri further reiterated his administration’s focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, describing it as a key pillar for achieving the state’s developmental aspirations.
He said:
“Education makes people easy to lead but difficult to enslave.”
Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, in his remarks, appreciated the EU and UNESCO for their partnership, describing the launch as a great step toward securing the future of Bayelsa’s children and fostering socioeconomic advancement.
Presenting an overview of the project, UNESCO Abuja Office’s Education and Partnerships Officer, Magdalene Anene-Maidah, explained that the 48-month initiative seeks to improve student outcomes and Nigeria’s human capital by increasing the number of qualified and resilient teachers.
A key focus of the event was the formal inauguration of the State Project Steering Committee, chaired by Dr. Gentle Emelah, with Mrs. Seiyefa Sunday appointed as State Coordinator.
Other members include Chief Victor Okubonanabo, Dr. (Mrs) Alice Atuwo, Simon-Peter Okene, Ms. Boboye Ogola, Jaja Esaliba, Okpona Ozori, Zips Polly Ebikibina, Kelvin Lafighe, Pere-Ebogho Joseph, Prof. Akpoebi Egumu, Famous Dickson, Otobo Richman, and Pedro Igbudu.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; State NUT Chairman, Mr. Richman Otobo; Provost of Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education, Dr. Ebitimi Berezi; and Executive Chairman of the Teachers Training and Certification Board, Dr. Peremoboere Ugolo.
