The Policy Adviser, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Chioma Osuji, spoke on the effects of social vices in schools.
Over N360 billion has been accessed by the states from the Federal Government to improve basic education, but challenges still persist. Why?
If you go to these states that have accessed UBEC counterpart funding you will discover that basic education there is still in shamble; there’s no teaching and learning materials among others. What happened to the utilization of these funds, what happened to the management of the funds? This is something that we are looking at.
One of the ways we are trying to do that is by ensuring that our members at the state level are adequately equipped to begin to engage with the stakeholders. As at June 2017 we had N72 billion in the Central Bank of Nigeria that was yet to be accessed. Somebody will start telling you the problem of education is inadequate funding and all that. Why not use these funds to begin to address the needs of basic education.
How will you assess the performance of states in terms of counterpart funding?
I think when it comes to assessment, looking at the magnitude of funds accessed so far, we can give them a fair mark. I know there are various challenges when it comes to the utilization of funds. We have cases of states accessing these funds and not using it to do what they said they want to do. Some states have accessed these funds but they used it on political issues. Now that the election is coming you will see these states accessing the funds and they will use it on election not for basic education.
Kano State has shown and proved to do more when it comes to the issue of basic education.
Cultism and homosexuality are on the increase in schools. What is your comment on this?
It is so disheartening for us to begin to hear about cultism, homosexuality and lesbianism in our schools. I think it is something that is general and which needs the urgent attention of every stakeholder in the education sector. It is a very big drawback on the little progress we have recorded in the sector.
A parent will not send his child to school at a tender age, if the child will join cultists or engage in homosexuality. When children at that tender age begin to get involved in these terrible vices, the aim of sending children to school is being defeated. Children who engage in these acts won’t pay attention to their studies. It is something that must be addressed by every stakeholder.
What advice do you have for parents?
I think they should take it up and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. I know there are organizations that are focusing on that issue. We have the Human Rights Commission. It is something that parents should not cover. Parents should begin to look at their children. If your child goes to school and comes back you look at his textbooks, observe his behaviour and try to know who his friends are.
We need to give more attention to our children and look at what do they watch? What do they read? We should give them time and give them good advice.
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