President Goodluck Jonathan has said some of the problems in education sector were inherited from previous administrations but has assured that he was committed and determined to continue to raise the standard and quality.
He stated this on Sunday at the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), 2014 First Plenary Meeting with the theme: Church and state partnership in providing quality education for Nigerian People, held at the Catholic Pro-Cathedral in Area 3, Abuja. The conference will end on March 14th.
He said, “There are many challenges such as the rising expectations of teachers resulting in industrial actions. Of course you know we just dealt with the university teachers and now we are left with polytechnic teachers.
“The government has also shown sincerity of purpose to resolve such differences that may arise from some inherited problems not caused by this administration.
“Our commitment is to continue to raise standard and ensure quality. We will continue to encourage private sector investment in the education sector”.
The President said the Federal Government would always welcome opportunities for robust dialogue between government and the church and other non-governmental stakeholders to further strengthen the education sector.
“A world that had become more competitive, the quality of education available to the citizens impact directly on their countries’ position in the world.
“The present administration has been devoting more resources to education sector with the sector now receiving more funding than it has been in the past,” he said.
The President noted that the government had also worked hard to increase school enrollment, and provide infrastructure at all levels of learning.
“Our commitment is to continue to raise standard and ensure quality. We will continue to encourage private sector investment in the education sector,” he added.
He noted that when the church partners with government there cannot be any limit to what can be achieved, adding that this partnership will only impact positively on the education sector.
Jonathan who said his administration will welcome any reburst dialogue that will revamp. The education, agreed with the Bishops that the partnership between government and the church served the nation well until mission schools were taken away in the 70s.
He stressed the need for the reinforcement of family units, adding that Nigerians cannot succeed without good home training. “Our administration will do what is required to improve education in the country”.
He commended states who have decided to partner with religious bodies to improve quality of education, “noting that without moral values in schools we cannot get to where we want to go. Partnering with churches is a gateway to improving quality of education in the country”.
On the issue of security, he said that the country would overcome the security challenges being recorded in the North Eastern part of the country and asked for continued prayers.
President assured that the country will remain united despite challenges because “God loves this nation. I’m convinced God will continue to make a way where there is no way for us.
“I’ll urged the church to pray that we overcome the challenges of terrorism and other heinous crime in our country”.
