By Sodiq Adelakun
The Deputy National President of the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Adeolu Ogunbanjo has urged for a strengthened partnership between academic unions and the federal government to boost the quality of tertiary education in the coming year.
Reflecting on the past year’s performance of the education sector, Ogunbanjo acknowledged the successes achieved but emphasised the need for continuous improvement.
He believed that the potential for educational advancement lies in the ability of both parties to work collaboratively, moving beyond conflicts that have previously hindered progress.
Ogunbanjo highlighted the detrimental impact of strikes on students, referencing the prolonged industrial actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and issues surrounding the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) as examples of disruptions that should not be repeated in 2024.
He called for a shift in focus towards the collective goal of advancing the education sector, stating that while demands for better salaries, wages, and allowances are justified, strikes should not be the go-to solution.
Ogunbanjo’s remarks come with the hope that all stakeholders will fulfill their roles responsibly in the upcoming year, ensuring that the education sector reaches new heights of excellence.
“The entire idea and focus of both the academic unions and government should be to see our education sector progress to the next level, against the unnecessary rancour.
“Agitation for increase in salary, wages, allowances are good, but at the same time, strike is not the way, because it is at the detriment of the students, however you look at it.
“The University ASUU strike, IPPIS and all these casual distractions should not repeat themselves next year! stakeholders must play their part and play it well,” he added.
The NAPTAN Deputy National President identified insecurity as a major chalenge affecting the sector.
He said it was an area that themilitary and security agents must prioritise in 2024.
“Another thing threatening eduation is the issue of seurity; it’s a serious problem and challenge that requires adeuate attention in the coming year.
“The military and security agents must, as a matter of fact, approah this issue, with stern measures to stop kidnapping in our schools to restore the confidence of both students and parents,” Ogunbanjo said.
Speaking on the Students Loan Bill, Ogunbanjo said that Nigerians were full of expectations as the implementation was to take effect in 2024.
He appealed to the federal government to make the loan accessible.
“Too many stringent processes will defeat the purpose or idea behind the Students Loan.
“I hereby appeal to the federal government to make it accessible and seamless so that people can actually benefit,” he said.
Ogunbanjo also called on ASUU to look into service delivery, and tackle the issue of missing results.
“ASUU should seek to improve on their services to the universities, students and parents.
“Missing of results are usually common in federal institutions, which cannot happen in the private.
“ASUU must look into these complaints and ensure that members of staff are dedicated to the job and deliver appropriately,
“I have series of complaints from parents and students on this issue.”
Meanwhile, he commended the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for not increasing the examination fees in 2024.
Ogunbanjo begged the federal government to consider more grants for tertiary institutions, as it would go a long way in their research work, being a fundamental aspect of university programmes.