University don makes case for increased funding for education
Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
A Professor of Economics Education and the Provost, Postgraduate College, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, Prof. Mushay Adeniyi Ogundipe has called for increased funding for education saying that it’s about time other stakeholders supported the government to address the seeming rot in the education sector.
Prof Ogundipe has equally lent his voice to the call for increased fees most especially discriminatory fees for different courses in higher institutions in the country.
The university don made this submission during the 9th inaugural lecture of the University, held recently at the institution with the theme “Adding Value Through Education: A Cost-Benefit Exposition of Knowledge and Ignorance.”
Prof. Ogundipe explained that some courses are more expensive to acquire because of the amount of money that is required for teaching and learning.
He said it would therefore not be out of place to suggest that those offering such courses which obviously require so much money to teach and learn should pay more.
Prof Ogundipe has equally called on government and other stakeholders to as a matter of urgency rise to the challenges of adequate funding for education, if the country wants to save the sector from total collapse.
The University Don noted that only courses that are capable of adding value to life should attract better funding because of their relevance to the society at large.
The inaugural lecturer disclosed that for Nigeria to compete favourably with other countries of the world, a new curriculum needs to be drafted and tailored to suit the technological development that is rapidly changing at a pace the country can not meet.
Prof. Ogundipe also implored the government at all levels and owners of private institutions to pay appropriate wages to teachers and create other incentives that would motivate and further encourage others to pick up teaching as a profession.
On the huge level of unemployment and whether it is worthwhile to continue investing in Education, Ogundipe called for continued investment in education because the impact derivable from it is greater than the disadvantage.
In attendance at the event was one time Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Olukayode Oyesiku and a host of others.
