Autonomy for LGs will boost Nigeria’s universal education system – Shettima

By Kunle Sanni

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that the recent Supreme Court ruling granting full financial autonomy to local government councils will significantly enhance Nigeria’s universal basic education system.

According to him, the autonomy of local governments, which are primarily responsible for providing primary education, will address the financial challenges that have hindered the effective implementation of the government’s educational policies.

Shettima made these remarks on Thursday during the public presentation of a new book, “Navigating the Politics of Universal Education Policies in Nigeria,” authored by former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Professor Modupe Adelabu, at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja.

The Vice President emphasized that ongoing reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu will tackle the inadequacies and ideological barriers that have historically obstructed the progress of universal education in Nigeria.

He stated, “As stewards of the nation, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is leading the charge to reform the institutions tasked with overcoming the ideologies and inadequacies that have impeded universal education in Nigeria.

“The lack of autonomy in local governments, which are responsible for delivering primary education, has created significant financial obstacles in aligning administrative efforts with our educational agenda. However, the recent Supreme Court judgement empowering local government councils to control their resources brings the government closer to the people and provides new hope for our educational initiatives.”

Senator Shettima urged all levels of government to prioritize policies that empower “those at the forefront of implementing initiatives that inspire interest in education.”

Highlighting President Tinubu’s decision to establish the Student Loan Scheme as a move to secure the future of Nigerian children, the Vice President said, “This initiative ensures that every student has access to loans to pay their tuition, and the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has already received an overwhelming number of applications. This is a landmark achievement, signaling the bright future we are building for our youth. Beyond making education universally free, our experience shows that incentivizing is the most practical gateway before us. This is why all of us, across all levels and branches of government, must join this campaign to educate the nation.”

VP Shettima pointed out that the realities inherited by the Tinubu administration demand urgent action to ensure that education is not only accessible but also desirable for every Nigerian child, fostering long-term national development.

“Many primary and secondary school-age children are still not attending or completing their education, and a large portion of the youth population lacks basic literacy skills, with notable gender disparities. These are the challenges we must overcome,” he added.

The Vice President commended Professor Adelabu for addressing some of the most pressing challenges confronting policymakers in her book, noting that it “will undoubtedly inspire informed conversations around the state and future of education in Nigeria.

“As both a theorist and a practitioner in our education sector, Professor Adelabu’s insights are borne out of experience and passion, and I believe this book will serve as a critical resource for all who seek to improve our educational landscape,” he further stated.

Earlier, the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebamiji, praised Professor Adelabu’s contributions to Nigerian educational development and society.

“Professor Adelabu’s life is a testament to the abiding faith in God in our lives. Her quest for excellence and service to humanity reflects her academic brilliance and intellectualism,” the governor said.

The book reviewer, Professor Siyan Oyeweso of the Department of History and International Studies at Osun State University, lauded Adelabu’s work.

He remarked, “The author has critically examined the politics and financing of education in this book. It’s impossible to separate politics, education, and finance, as the major stakeholders are political players.”

Discussants of the book, including former Minister of Sports and Youth Development Bolaji Abdullahi, underscored the need to distinguish between school attendance and quality education.

“We’re spending more money on education than ever before. However, we need to distinguish between simply attending school and receiving a quality education,” Abdullahi said. He also called for a review of the Universal Basic Education Commission law, while questioning the capacity of local governments to manage complex educational reforms.

Former First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, highlighted the persistent challenges in girls’ education.

Citing UNICEF figures, Fayemi noted, “Nigeria has about 18.3 million out-of-school children—the highest in the world—with 50-60% being girls.” She proposed implementing gender-specific education policies and addressing obstacles to girls’ education, such as insecurity and conflict.

The book’s author, Professor Modupe Adelabu, emphasized the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of the education system.

“We need to reevaluate our education system to meet the needs of our country and prepare our children for both domestic and global environments,” Adelabu stated. She advocated for a focus on not just academic subjects, but also values like democracy, justice, and good governance.

Dignitaries at the event included Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of State for FCT Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Tunji Alausa, and Chief of Staff to the President Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Others in attendance were former Governor of Ekiti State Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ogun State Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Governor of Ekiti State Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former Governor of Osun State Chief Bisi Akande, a representative of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, retired Justice of the Supreme Court Justice Olufunola Oyelola Adekeye, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, and former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dakuku Peterside, among others.