ADO-EKITI — Stakeholders in the education sector have been urged to move beyond the culture of assigning blame and embrace collective responsibility for improving the quality of education in Ekiti State.
The call was made during an edition of Back-to-School, an education-focused programme on Mature Minds Digital Radio & TV (MMDR), hosted by Amb. S. Yasir Abiola, with the theme: “Who Should Fix Education in Ekiti?”
Speaking on the programme, Abiola argued that the responsibility for educational outcomes should not be placed solely on government or teachers, stressing that quality education requires the coordinated efforts of government, teachers, parents, students, school owners and the wider community.
He noted that while government has a major responsibility to provide effective policies, infrastructure, funding, teacher development and supervision, such interventions must be complemented by accountability and commitment from other stakeholders.
According to him, educational supervision should go beyond checking teachers’ attendance in schools. He said authorities should also determine whether students are actually learning, whether teachers have the necessary resources and professional support, and what challenges are affecting teaching and learning.
Teachers Need Support, Not Just Expectations
The programme also examined the role of teachers as key actors in the education system.
Abiola stressed that teachers must remain accountable for effective teaching, assessment, mentoring and identifying learners who require additional support. However, he cautioned against demanding excellent outcomes without considering the conditions under which teachers operate.
“We cannot leave everything to government. But we must also be careful not to place the entire burden of educational outcomes on teachers.”
He emphasised the importance of teacher welfare, professional development, appropriate teaching materials and conducive working environments in achieving better learning outcomes.
Parents Must Remain Involved
The presenter also called on parents and guardians to take a more active role in their children’s education, noting that education does not end when a child leaves the school premises.
He urged parents to monitor their children’s academic progress, reading habits, discipline, use of technology and social relationships, while maintaining regular communication with schools and teachers.
Students Must Take Ownership
Students, according to Abiola, must also understand that they are active participants in their educational journey.
He encouraged learners to attend classes, ask questions, read, practise, manage their time and seek clarification whenever they encounter academic difficulties.
He stressed that government support, good teachers and parental guidance can create opportunities, but students must ultimately engage with the learning process.
Call for Stronger School Monitoring
The programme further advocated stronger and more constructive monitoring of schools across Ekiti State.
Abiola suggested the possibility of an education task force working with relevant education authorities and Area Education Offices to visit schools across the state, covering both public and private institutions.
He said such monitoring should not be designed merely to punish or embarrass schools but should identify challenges, listen to teachers and students, assess learning conditions and determine where intervention is required.
“Education Is Everybody’s Business”
The discussion also highlighted the role of school owners, traditional institutions, religious organisations, alumni associations, professional bodies, civil society groups, philanthropists, the media and other community stakeholders.
Abiola maintained that the quality of education ultimately affects the entire society because today’s students will become tomorrow’s professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, artisans, leaders and parents.
He therefore called for a shift in public discourse from “Who is to blame?” to “What can I do?”
Concluding the programme, Abiola reiterated that government must govern and provide the necessary systems, teachers must teach, parents must support and guide, students must learn, school owners must prioritise quality, communities must participate, and the media must continue to keep education on the public agenda.
The programme was anchored on the message:
“Education Matters: Educate Minds, Transform Nation.”
Abiola further stressed that restoring the quality and reputation of education in Ekiti requires collective action rather than placing responsibility on a single stakeholder.
“The future of Ekiti is currently sitting in our classrooms,” he said, urging stakeholders to support schools, encourage teachers, guide students and take responsibility for building the educational system they want to see.
