Dr Hamid Bobboyi, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has challenged Chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) with implementing the Effective School Programmes (ESP).
Bobboyi made the claim while addressing at the UBEC-SUBEBs conference in Abuja on Monday.
He stated that implementing the ESP would result in enhanced learning circumstances and processes, generating basic education graduates with appropriate life skills.
Bobboyi also stated that providing students with skills will allow them to effectively engage and compete in the 21st-century knowledge economy.
“As a Commission, we have considered the prime importance of investing in improving key aspects of UBE delivery with a view to having better outcomes.
“This resolve is what prompted our drive towards reinventing the mechanisms for improved inputs and processes in the implementation of UBE activities, as this would be the safe guarantee of improved outcomes.
“ESP seeks to ensure collective actions at national and state levels in ensuring that prescribed minimum standards in basic education service delivery are attained and further scaled up towards ensuring the effectiveness of teaching and learning with commensurate learning outcomes,” he said.
Bobboyi added that with the distribution of instructional materials, installation of a satellite-based education system, and training of head teachers and teachers, effective schools would follow immediately.
“As the programme progresses, additional improvements will be made in the schools with the goal of meeting the minimum standards in basic education.
“It is envisaged that through this effort, we will create Centres of Excellence as we improve the inputs and processes deployed for teaching and learning in the schools,” he said.
In his remarks, the Dean of Chairmen, SUBEB, Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, said the transformation of the e-learning programme into ESP would help improve the educational outcomes of Nigerian students.
He said Nigeria is second in terms of literacy level in Africa noting that the full implementation of smart education would rank Nigeria as first in Africa.