Back student loan scheme with job guarantees, govt urged

THE student loan scheme should be backed by a job guarantee to make it more effective.

This is the view of the immediate-past Education Secretary of Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Mr.  Afolabi Amusa.

The educationist, whose five-year tenure ended on June 16, lauded the scheme as a bold and welcome initiative.

He said: “The scheme addresses a long-standing barrier—access to higher education due to financial constraints.

“However, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, about 33 per cent of Nigerian youths are unemployed.

 “Therefore, the loan scheme must be accompanied by policies that guarantee employability, such as aligning tertiary education with market demands and fostering entrepreneurship.

 “If well-managed, this could be a game-changer in breaking the poverty cycle and widening access to education for millions of deserving students.”

Having served for five years before opting to retire, Amusa understands what needs attention in Lagos State’s education sector.

He said: “I have seen commendable strides in Lagos State’s education sector, but some key areas still require urgent intervention.

“Staff welfare is paramount. Teacher retention is directly tied to morale and remuneration. We need to invest in both salaries and training to build capacity. Continuous professional development and digital literacy for educators must be scaled up.

 “Enrollment and equity, particularly in underserved communities, also need attention. Data from UBEC indicates over 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, many of whom are in urban slums.

“Also, the school feeding programme, which boosts both attendance and cognitive performance, must be expanded and efficiently managed.

“A World Bank study found school meals could increase attendance by up to nine per cent in low-income areas. The state needs federal backing to scale this sustainably.”

Amusa noted that examination malpractice is both a symptom and a consequence of systemic issues, such as overcrowded classrooms, poor preparation and undue pressure.

He said a multi-tiered approach is needed to curb it.

 “We need technology integration that encompasses biometric verification and CCTV surveillance, while the computer-based testing (CBT) used in JAMB should be extended to WAEC and NECO. “There is a need for stricter enforcement. Punitive measures must be backed by legislative support and enforcement from education stakeholders. “Reorientation of values is also essential. Integrity must be taught early through civic and character education.”

On how to boost student performance, Amusa said: “We must focus on teacher quality, curriculum relevance, and remedial support. According to WAEC, the pass rate for five credits, including Math and English, rose marginally to 76.36 per cent in 2023, but this still leaves room for targeted improvement in rural and public schools.”

Amusa extended heartfelt gratitude to the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, his colleagues, and the good people of Lagos for the honour of service.

 “Public service is a sacred trust, and I am proud of the reforms and progress we have made together.

“To the APC, I say: stay people-focused, stay policy-driven, and stay united.

 “Education is the bedrock of national development— continue to prioritise it. I leave with deep humility and a renewed commitment to the cause of education, equity, and excellence.”

Amusa highlighted notable achievements by his administration, including an increase in inclusive centres from one to five, with new ones at Igbogbo, Abule Eko, Imota and Salvation Army Ikorodu.

Under him, computer centres increased from one to five at Igbogbo, Imota, Mowo Nla and Isawo.

There was a rise in arts and crafts centres from one to four in Jamatul Islamiyah Sabo, Ijede, Igbogbo and Methodist Complex, Ikorodu. Home economics centres increased to three, with two in Ijede and Imota.

New schools – the Idera Primary School, Methodist Primary School II Elepe, Asanat Tomori Primary School and Egbin Kingdom Primary School – were approved by the Lagos Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) under Amusa.

Three more are awaiting SUBEB approval: Olu Odo Community Primary School, Igbe Ogunro; Model Primary School, Ilado and Community Primary School, Bayeku.

There were various training programmes for teachers, such as computer and other impactful capacity training.

Amusa oversaw the supply of furniture to schools and local government education authorities through LGEA/ SUBEB to facilitate effective teaching and learning processes. Under him, the Education Management Information System Centre (EMIS) was renovated and equipped with 12 desktop computers. Eight power-generating sets were supplied to all LGEA departments to improve efficiency and productivity.

Amusa facilitated the establishment of a mini-clinic at the LGEA, while sickbays were equipped in all 67 schools, and were supplied with first aid boxes and drugs. Some of the sickbays were also provided with qualified nurses.

The Amusa administration established four standard libraries, including the E-library at C&S Primary School II, LGEA library, Model Primary School Library and St John’s Anglican Primary School Library in Imota. He set up reading rooms in 64 schools.

Aside from boosting school security, Amusa ensured the observance of social activities, such as the Ramadan lecture, Independence Day and Children’s Day celebrations, Christmas Carol, Founders’ Day/Merit Award and sporting activities.

In his agriculture programme, 15 schools were selected for cash crops, livestock and animal husbandry in the Agriculture Education Training Programme (AETP) backed by UBEC, SUBEB and LGEA.

Parents lauded Amusa for Amusa’s strides. Chairman of the Parents Forum, Ikorodu Division, Jenrade Mokolade, in an attestation letter to the Chairman of Ikorodu Central Local Government, praised Amusa for the “exceptional work”.

 “During his tenure, Mr. Afolabi Amusa demonstrated outstanding leadership, organisational skills, and dedication to ensuring the smooth operation of our primary schools.  “He effectively managed administrative tasks, provided support to school administrators, and contributed significantly to the overall improvement of our education system,” Mokolade stated.