MY ADMINISTRATION WILL PRIORITISE EDUCATION— SAYS DAPO ABIODUN

'Folabi Alawode

The newly inaugurated Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun has declared a state of emergency on the education sector of the state. 

Dapo Abiodun who was sworn in on Wednesday, May 29, alongside his deputy, Noimot Salako - Oyedele, by the state Chief Judge , Mosunmola Dipeolu, said the poor condition of education, high rate of unemployment, lack of access to health and poor road network in rural areas across the state prompted an urgent action by his administration. 

Speaking shortly after he took the oath of allegiance and oath of office, Dapo Abiodun said "the legacy of the enviable position of the state in education sector was being gradually eroded with the declining standards of education system in the state".

He said, “Consequently, the administration will commence the process of convening an Ogun State Education Summit that will bring together experts, educationists, organised labour, professional groups, students and other critical stakeholders to examine the causes of the declining outcomes and proffer far -reaching solutions.”

It should be recalled that hike in fees has rocked different state-owned higher institutions within the last eight years. The reason for this increment has been that the State Government has refused to fund the sector properly.

In fact, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Olabisi Onabanjo University Chapter in 2016 embarked on strike for non-payment of 16 months salaries and to also demand proper funding of the University. 

Some weeks ago, SaharaReporters reported how the Coalition of Tai Solarin College of Education Staff berated Ibikunle Amosun, the former Governor of Ogun State, for not paying salary and allowances to them for 54 months.