KWSG ASSURES STAKEHOLDERS ON QUALITY EDUCATION SYSTEM

The Kwara State Government has assured that it would continue to strengthen the collaboration with relevant government agencies and organizations with a view to ensuring that the education system provides the highest quality learning experience for all learners. 

The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, gave the assurance on Wednesday while speaking during the stakeholders’ engagement on National Education Quality Assurance Policy and its Implementation in Kwara State, held at Sinclair Hotel, GRA, Ilorin.

The stakeholders' engagement was organised by the Federal Ministry of Education Quality Assurance Service in collaboration with the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.

The Commissioner described quality assurance as a multifaceted concept that encompasses various aspects of education, which include teaching, learning and assessment, stressing that it is essential to prioritize quality assurance to guarantee educational system is effective, efficient and equitable.

Dr. Olohungbebe recalled that the Quality Assurance Bureau in Kwara State was established in 2009, which is a paradigm shift from old inspection to Education Quality Assurance using the Whole School Evaluation (WSE) strategy to among other goals, arrest the declining quality of education in the State, correct duplication of roles across Ministries, Departments and Agencies on inspection and monitoring of schools, redeem poor quality of inspection instrument and standardize the quality of inspection reports.

"It must also be noted that the Bureau was set up to serve as one of the major feedback mechanisms through which the government and other stakeholders receive reliable assessment in respect of the standard and progress of the education reform agenda of the State."

He expressed his gratitude to the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering commitment to education in the State, adding that "His vision for a brighter future for our children is truly inspiring and I am proud to be part of his team."

"We have invested heavily in infrastructure, with the construction of new schools and the renovation of existing ones. We have also implemented innovative programmes aimed at improving teachers training and learners outcomes. However, we are not resting on our laurels. We recognize that there is still much work to be done and we are committed to continuing our efforts while ensuring that every child in the State receives the quality education they deserve", the Commissioner explained.

In his remarks, the Director, Federal Education Quality Assurance Service, Mr. Olusola Ademola Babawale, noted that the National Education Quality Assurance Policy (NEQAP) was approved at the 67th National Council on Education meeting held in December, 2023 in Lagos State and stated that the policy was formulated to replace the old policy, adding that since the inauguration of the present NEQAP, its implementation at the State level across the country has not been so encouraging. 

"Therefore, the Federal Ministry of Education has directed that this critical policy framework designed to enhance education standards and accountability and ensure quality education in Basic and Secondary schools should be implemented across the 36 States and FCT", he affirmed.

Mr. Babawale pointed out that the main trust of the policy is to ensure continuous monitoring, supportive supervision, assessment and evaluation of schools to ensure standard and quality for improved learning outcomes.

 The Director, Quality Assurance Bureau, Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Alhaja Khadijat Lambe, said the programme was aimed at engaging critical stakeholders on the implementation of National Education Quality Assurance Policy as well as discussing the way forward. 

Other dignitaries present at the event were policy-makers and traditional rulers, including Olojoku of Ojoku, His Royal Highness, Oba Abdulrasaq Afolabi Iyiolasemi III; the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWASUBEB), Professor Abdulraheem Adaramaja; Directors of the State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, among others.

Peter Amogbonjaye,

Press Secretary,

Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.

08032578495