FG can do more on education – Former minister

Mr. Frank Nweke

A former Information Minister, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr. has challenged the Federal Government to do more in supporting education.

Nweke, who spoke during the 30th anniversary ceremony of the Greensprings Schools in Lagos, noted that the successes recorded in private schools could be replicated in public schools.

He stated this while congratulating the founder of Greensprings Schools, Mrs. Lai Koiki, on her commitment to promoting private education and academic excellence in the country.

The former minister said, “I salute Mrs. Koiki and there are so many people around, who have done similar thing and who are doing similar thing. I salute every one of them for their love for learning and investment in education. I salute them for their vision and for this significant contribution to our national development.

“She understands local competitiveness. She understands what is going on around the world and so she is constantly improving her school curriculum, reviewing the curriculum to reflect new global realities.

“Do you think the government cannot do that? The government can if you have people doing the right thing in government. The authorities in Germany are doing it. Governments in Finland and Rwanda are doing it on constant basis. Governments in the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Singapore are doing it. So, it is actually possible for our government to do it.

“The notion that it is a public sector and therefore it cannot work holds no truth for someone like me. I believe it can be done but you need serious-minded, right thinking people, who understand the value of education to be in the driver’s seat.”

The Principal of the Atlantic Hall, Epe, Lagos, Mr. Andrew Jedrais, also noted that expenditure in education was not about recklessness.

According to him, it is about driving a model of learning, which befits the society.

He added, “We must do away with the sterile, dull, boring education in the classroom. We have responsibility to make sure we support outstanding teachers. The Nigerian nation must develop visionary teachers.”

Earlier, Koiki said the school was committed to redefining the country’s education in line with the UNESCO tenets.

She said, “Our vision is to promote lifelong learning and we need to get it right. This is because education is fundamental to the existence of human beings, nations.”