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Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola Calls for Commitment to Basic Education
A former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has called on governments at all levels to be committed to the basic education of Nigerian children.
Aregbesola recalled that during his tenure as the governor of Osun, he undertook some programs and policies to revolutionize basic education in the state.
He, however, expressed regrets that his successor, Gboyega Oyetola, scrapped the programs.
The immediate-past Minister of Interior stated this on Saturday, in Akure, during a ‘Welcome Home’ reception organized for him by members of the Old Students’ Association of Akoko Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, of which he is a member.
Government-Funded Public Foundation Education Schools Should Be Prioritized
Aregbesola said, “All governments must know that no matter how attractive private schools may be, they will never be able to displace government-funded public foundation education schools, if we really want to provide education to all the children and stimulate development from bottom up. It is a dream we must never give up on.”
He explained that during his tenure as governor in Osun, his administration built 11 state-of-the-art 3,000-capacity model secondary schools, in addition to rehabilitating and upgrading existing ones. These schools were designed to produce world beaters.
Sustaining Educational Programs and Successes
Aregbesola lamented that his successor did not continue with the programs and policies, causing the loss of potential achievements. He highlighted that a former student from their school topped the Senior Secondary School Examination while another topped UTME shortly after his tenure.
He expressed regret that the momentum and progress achieved during his tenure were not maintained, which affected the potential success of the educational system.
Aregbesola Acknowledges the Importance of Teachers and School Community
The former minister praised the teachers who taught him at Akoko Anglican Grammar School, as well as the school principals and the ex-students of the school. He described them as stars who deserved greater recognition and celebration.
Appreciation from the AKOGRAMS Association
In her remarks, the National President of the AKOGRAMS, Mrs. Moji Ajayi, commended Aregbesola for his contribution to the development of the country and the association. She highlighted the various infrastructural projects carried out by the old students’ association in their alma mater.
