Stakeholders have urged governments to shore up budgetary allocation to education to improve a lot of youths.
In their separate remarks at the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Oyo State branch, they also canvased improved collaboration with government and policymakers for educational advancement.
The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Lagos state, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, urged the government to increase its funding to the sector, reminding that education is imperative for national development.
“I support the call for government to increase funding for education as there is an internationally acceptable standard. I will continue to be an ambassador of the call that a large chunk of our budget should be allocated to education so that we can have an improved educational system.
However, he noted that government cannot do it alone and sought private sector collaboration through infrastructural development, scholarships as well as provision of teaching and learning aids.
Director of Programme Operations, Children Community Services, New York, Mr Rafiu Laguda, said parents should train their wards to be independent, especially in their actions and decision-making. He lamented that many children were lured into cultism as a result of peer pressure.
Laguda, a youth mentor and coach said getting the best of the country’s educational sector requires a collaborative effort from the government, parents, corporate organisations, and other relevant stakeholders.
He said: “Government is trying but parents need to support. When you talk about institutions abroad, it is not only the government funding them. But in Nigeria, we tend to leave everything to the government and we think that government is the superman to do everything and address all the problems. Parents, corporate institutions, government, and all of us have roles to play in the educational development of our country.
“I know many youths who are well-trained from home but who missed it when they got to higher institution. Parents must train their wards to be independent and learn to take decisions. Let them be accountable for whatever decision they take so that they know the task and responsibility ahead, let them know that they are always responsible for their actions and decisions,” Laguda added.
Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Christiana Abioye, enjoined parents and stakeholders to support the government in the task of developing the sector.
Abioye said: “We need to let children who are not finding it easy know that it is a matter of patience and time, while also encouraging them to concentrate on their studies or vocation while letting them know that it is the only way to achieve their dream.
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