Olaopa seeks support for education at school fundraising
The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has called for increased support for education, emphasizing that the government alone cannot address the sector’s challenges.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday as the Chairman of the 80th Fundraising Dinner for Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, Olaopa highlighted the pressing need for collective contributions to develop the school and revitalize education in the country.
He stated, “To have been established in 1945 and to still retain some measure of its old glory, given the lamentable state of public schools in Nigeria, is no mean feat.
“That we, the old students gathered here today, are alive to witness this momentous celebration of a school that profoundly impacted our formative years and shaped who we have become calls for reflection. If Olivet impacted us so greatly, it is evident that the school now needs us to give back, especially in its challenging times.”
Prof. Olaopa further noted that the challenges facing Olivet are reflective of the broader difficulties within Nigeria’s public education system.
He lamented that many schools, including federal unity colleges and state model schools, suffer from issues such as outdated infrastructure, inadequate funding, poor curriculum standards, lack of teacher professionalism, and insufficient quality assurance mechanisms.
“Public schools and educational institutions are not just challenged; they are failing across key parameters: curriculum content, infrastructure for learning and administration, funding, teacher quality, and relevance of certifications.
“Many teachers in these schools are sustained by PTAs, while governments struggle to formalize the recruitment of qualified personnel within available resources,” he explained.
Olaopa urged stakeholders to move beyond blaming governments and instead focus on collaborative solutions. “What the times demand is for all hands to be on deck, even as we stress the need for policy innovation and creativity on the part of the government,” he said.
Commending the leadership of Dr. Wale Okediran for mobilizing different alumni sets and chapters to contribute to the school’s progress, Olaopa encouraged attendees, including guests, well-wishers, and old students, to donate generously to the 80th anniversary fundraising.
“I can assure you that every kobo contributed will be justifiably and accountably utilized towards restoring the glory of Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo,” he concluded.
