Lagos, Nigeria – Oando Foundation (referred to as “the Foundation”) will be hosting a private sector roundtable on July 4, 2018 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The Roundtable session which is in line with the Foundation’s commitment to improve access to basic education for the Nigerian child, is organized in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the statutory body responsible for implementing Basic Education interventions, providing greater access to, and ensuring quality basic education across Nigeria.
Commenting ahead of the event, Head, Oando Foundation, Adekanla Adegoke said:
“It is imperative that private sector actors and affiliates come together with a unified front so we can assist the Government in achieving its goal as entrenched in the Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 17. We understand that although basic education is Government’s statutory responsibility, all actors must provide support where necessary. Today, our challenge is much greater than simply enrolling young people into classrooms. It is determining the most efficient distribution of resources to keep them in school and ensure that they receive quality education necessary for future economic empowerment and life-long learning. The Foundation in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission will explore opportunities for increased private sector participation in basic education delivery”.
The roundtable will span half a day with sessions focused on presenting an evidence-based case for private sector involvement in education policymaking and funding, and exploring approaches for actioning a collaborative approach to achieving these.
Speaking further on the initiative, Adekanla said:
“Anybody above the age of 40 most likely would have attended a public school, and can attest to the quality of education. It is not the same anymore, and it is the sad reality we have come to terms with. We appreciate the uniqueness of the private sector in galvanizing technical expertise, human and financial resources for the urgent transformation required in the sector, government must realize and tap into this.
The overall objective of the roundtable is to create a network of private sector leaders within the Basic Education space to explore methods and techniques for supporting basic education through partnership with the Universal Basic Education Board in Nigeria. This network will serve as a platform for further engagement for UBEC and private sector players.
The UBE Programme objectives includes ensuring an uninterrupted access to formal education by providing FREE, and COMPULSORY basic education for every child of school-going age.