NAE slams FG on neglect of basic education

Clement Idoko, Abujaa - 05.11.2009

THE Nigerian Academy of Education (NAE), the higest professional body in education in Nigeria, has slammed the Federal Government for neglecting basic education in the country, and has called on President Umaru Yar’Adua to declare a state of emergency in the sector.

The President of the Academy, Professor Otonti Nduka, spoke in Abuja, on Wednesday, at the opening ceremony of the 24th Annual Congress and conferment of NAE 2009 Fellowship and Honorary Fellowship on six distinguished Nigerians.

Nduka said: “Since the publication of the Ashby Commission Report in 1960, disproportionate attention has been devoted by governments and other stakeholders to university education for the so-called high level manpower to the detriment of technical, vocational and other forms of education, including basic education.

“The age-long dearth of middle-level manpower for our industrial take-off persists, while the erection of a sound tertiary level on a weak base remains a mirage.

“We wish to convey, through you, the Minister of Education, Dr. Sam Egwu, to President Yar’Adua our view that any realistic hope of achieving the much desired Vision 20: 2020 will hinge on the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector and the injection of phenomenal funds commensurate with the tasks ahead.”

Professors R. D. Olarinoye, A. I. Ikeotuonye and Chief A.B. Olaniyan were conferred with Fellowship awards of the academy, while Chief Owelle Rochas Okorocha; Executive Secretary, Education, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA), Alhaji Husaini Halilu Pai, and Prof. S.A Adelabu bagged Honorary Fellowship awards.