Wike was speaking, following the sudden sack of Education Minister, Prof Ruqqayatu Rufa’I, and his take over of the ministry.
He directed the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to enforce the use of standardised textbooks in primary and secondary schools.
Wike spoke in Abuja when the Governing Board of the vouncil visited him in his office.
He urged the council to assert its authority as the agency of government for approving the textbooks used in schools.
The minister decried a situation where worthless books are recommended for use in schools because of perceived relationship with the authors.
Wike said: “NERDC is responsible for developing the curriculum and should be in the best position to recommend appropriate books. But this is not the case. You must assert your authority and reclaim your mandate.”
In the face of dwindling budgetary provision, Wike advised the council to generate additional funds internally and to prioritise its programmes in line with available resources and objectives.
He stressed that resources can hardly be sufficient any time, adding that several agencies spend the bulk of their resources on conferences and workshops.
Wike promised to support the council to achieve its objectives, but urged the NERDC borad to avoid anything that would lead to in-fighting in its management.
NERDC Board Chairman Dr Stephen Dike said paucity of fund was affecting the council in discharging its mandate,
He urged the minister to mobilise the private sector and donor agencies to contribute to reposition the agency’s research efforts.
“We have done well in curriculum development, but not so well with research and development, because it requires a lot of funding,” Dr Dike said. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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yes as you are stepping on toes to "reform" Rivers state. i guess you should be reformed first. Are you even qualified to head the ministry?What a square peg in a round hole.
ReplyDeleteis Dike a DR or Mr.
ReplyDeleteWHAT IS YOUR QUALIFICATION?
ReplyDeleteThis just shows how ethnocentric GEJ is.A complete show of selfish interest that is what I will call it. If a prof can not manage d education sector well,who will?Is it political (Agbero)thugs? Nigerian education is finish.May God help Nigeria
ReplyDeleteGod leme graduate b4 he start steppn on toes ooo... Gues he may order 4 d closure of all 9ja federal universities and ensure only private universities operate all in d name of education subsidy removal or increase tution fee to 400k... Dem no kuku send us
ReplyDeleteIndeed a square peg in around hole. This actions will further discredit the foolish President. If not, why would a tout, an "agbero" be made to head a big and important ministry like education? He has come up with his own program which is different from the former ones. Is appointment based on merit or sentiment? Is it based on who is qualified or who you are aligned with? GOD HELP NIGERIA
ReplyDeleteWe do not need a Professor or Dr qualified candidate to lead the Ministry of Education or any Ministry for that matter. It requires simple commonsense with incorruptible mindset.
ReplyDeleteThe last Minister (Prof Ruqqayat Rufai) supported the non-deployment of oversea trained Nigerians for NYSC because they could not provide Ordinary Level qualification. At the time, the candidates provided various bridging qualifications which was acceptable for their foreign universities where they completed their studies but not acceptable in Nigeria.
However, it is pathetic that no universities in Nigeria appear in international and worldwide league tables. That shows the level of decay in Nigeria education system and qualifications.
It is very simple to determine the quality and validity of recognised foreign qualifications, including bridging qualifications. Unfortunately, the Nigeria Ministry of Education does not have an up-to-date accreditation and recognition system to validate foreign qualifications. Whose fault is that? Do we require a Professor to validate a simple foreign qualification? That is the job of an Office Administrator or Secretary.
The FG should employ the right people for work in the Ministry of Education. Doctorate or Professor qualification is not the yardstick to measure quality outcome. We need competent people who can use their initiative.
Anonymous 4:13pm, what you are telling us is that qualification is not a criteria for engaging a minister. I don't get it. So banks, oil companies and ministries should be employing not considering 1st degree etc?
ReplyDeleteGEJ has completely south-southized nigeria. Ur days are numbered
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 4:13 is simply saying that we do not need a professor or doctorate degree holder to get competent men and women for ministerial positions.
ReplyDelete1st or 2nd degree holders who are competent and incorruptible can do better.