Ogun education sector underfunded — Experts

 

Dapo Abiodun 

By Rukayat Olawunmi

The state of education in Ogun State has come under scrutiny as experts discussed the challenges facing the sector, especially funding.

In a recent podcast hosted by Mr Julius Oyedokun, two education experts, Olaiwola Ogunpaimo and another contributor, shed light on the pressing issues affecting schools in the state.

According to one of the experts, the poor teaching environment and low motivation among teachers are among the greatest challenges facing public schools in Ogun today.

"The teaching environment in many public schools is far from ideal and ditto for the staff room. Teachers are not motivated to perform at their best due to lack of support and resources, teachers are now doing training from their own purse, so they are not encouraged,” he said.

He further stressed that "The rot noted and noticeable dates back to years of neglect by successive governments.”

He said, “The current government is doing its best but it can do more as no society can grow beyond and above its state of education."

The need for government and education administrators to prioritise teacher welfare packages and provide infrastructural resources to enhance the learning environment was also highlighted.

Dr Ogunpaimo stated that "Any learning that takes place in an unconducive environment, means in that kind of environment, learning has not taken place.”

He emphasised learning and why it is important it takes place in a conducive learning environment.

Ogunpaimo recalled how he interviewed some Ogun teachers and many of them lamented the poor conditions of their classroom.

“Their classrooms are congested, but these problems were inherited by the current administration in Ogun State,” Ogunpaimo noted.

Meanwhile, the experts worried that there doesn't appear to be any hope in sight.

The speakers emphasised that the Government of Ogun State needs to start supporting teachers to boost their passion and motivation to work.

The experts' insights have sparked concerns about the future of education in Ogun State.

However, they believed hope is not lost, saying with adequate infrastructure and funding, teachers training and development, Ogun public school education will fall back into place.

The educationists also called for government sincerity and transparency on budgetary allocation for conducive learning environments.

The speakers' recommendations at the end offer valuable food for thought.