The critical role of early childhood learning as the bedrock of the nation’s education sector has once again come under focus.
This comes during a press briefing held during the week, by MD School, Oko-Oba, Lagos, to announce the celebration of 40 years of its existence. MD School is the first private co-educational inclusive school in Lagos state.
Addressing journalists at the gathering, Mrs. Omolara Adedugbe, Executive Director of the school and a vocal advocate of quality early learning, drew attention to the importance of foundational learning, as the bedrock of Nigeria’s educational sector.
She submitted that the quality of foundational learning, invariably determines the standard of a nation’s education sector.
Early childhood learning, she maintained, lays the foundation for a child’s education. The quality of that early experience, invariably shapes their future success.
This is why, she urged the government to pay closer attention to foundational education. Noting that private schools have historically spearheaded this segment. Mrs. Adedugbe therefore further maintained that “they deserve government’s encouragement and support.”
She called for the removal of many constraints facing private school operators across the country, so that they can continue to provide quality education that the country deserves.
She singled out the imposition of multiple taxes and levies by governments at every level, from the local, state, up to the federal government level, as one of the critical constraints hampering operations of private schools.
“There are too many taxes, and this is making it difficult for private schools to operate.”
Government, she argued, should realise that “education is a different kind of business that is not all about making profit.”
So the government, she urged, “must understand the critical role of Private schools in the interest of achieving quality in the standard of education in the country.”
Speaking on the 40 years anniversary proper, Mr. Steve Akadiri, a member of the governing council and chairman of the media committee on the anniversary, said that occasions like this provide an opportunity for reflection and to say thank you to those who have walked this remarkable journey with us in the past 40 years.
“It allows us to look back with gratitude at our humble beginnings, appreciate the sacrifices of our founders and acknowledge the dedication and commitment of those who have contributed to the growth of the institution.”
Also speaking, the chairman of the Planning Committee, Barrister Chris Dike said the anniversary actually commenced in September with special thanksgiving by the pupils with active participation by parents online.
“We have also provided medical and food outreach to our immediate communities, the climax is the award programme which will involve many of our past students, parents and other stakeholders at the end of the month”.
