How far have you gone in actualizing the dream of the state governor concerning the ETF?
The OYO ETF is a good initiative by the governor because the standard of education is going down, not only in Oyo state; it is an open secret that the state of education today is appalling, what we have as education in Oyo state is a total departure from what it used to be and in order to restore education to what it used to be and to also take it further to be able to compete with what is obtainable globally an urgent step is necessary to be taken. For the governor to think of having Oyo Education Trust Fund is a good initiative and I have been getting compliments from people, even Abike Dabiri is coming for the launching.
She wrote me and said that this is a good initiative. It is a step in the right direction. The team was put up through an Act and we have guidelines on activities which we have been following. We were inaugurated on July 10, 2017 and we have since started work. We have a board and we have been doing a lot of advocacy to inform and orientate people, you know when something is new, you have to let them know because there will be deductions and we need to let them know that it is for their own benefits.
Whatever money we get is going to be used for the schools
Is the deduction going to be from public sector alone?
It will cut across board, from everybody. There is a format of how the deductions will be made. The sources of money for the fund includes: an amount of money equivalent to five per cent of the prevailing rate of Value Added Tax accruing to the state and local government, such other money as may be appropriated by the House of Assembly for the fund, one per cent of Internally generated Revenue (IGR) of public institutions in the state as captured in the fiscal budget, grants and donations, one per cent of fees paid by each student in private institutions and other money that is lawfully payable to the fund.
This is stated in the Act and we are following it strictly. This is why we have been spending a lot of time to enlighten them, we invite them to our office, we explain to them, some didn’t understand initially but after we educated them, they saw the merits of the policy and they now know all the wonderful things we can do for this cause. I went to Queens School, Ede, but it is now in Ibadan. I built an administrative block for them, so I know the value of education and I am glad that the governor is giving me an opportunity to use my experience and professional capability for the benefit of the state because I am from Ibadan
What do we expect to see in the education sector in Oyo State in the next one year based on ETF activities?
A lot of things are in the pipeline. We have been visiting some of the schools. So whatever money we are able to raise, we will use it for the benefit of the schools. There are so many dilapidated structures and so many other issues: furniture, bad walls, lavatories etc. we know what ought to be and that is what we are going to do
Will this get to schools in the hinterland and which schools will be touched first?
Of course, it is for the whole state. We will get to every cranny of the state. We already have the list of schools we will work on first but we don’t want to mention them now. We have visited the schools and we are very objective, it will be based on people that need intervention urgently.
There are other bodies similar to this, is this not a duplication?
No, though we have similar functions but the OYO EFT has a wider scope and is established by law unlike other bodies with relevant assignments which though guided by regulations have special focus on particular areas of the education sector. The difference between this organisation and others playing similar roles like Oyo State Model Education System Interventions (OYOMESI) and the School Governing Board (SGB), is that though they look like they are performing same functions, there are many grounds of differences. Both bodies unlike OYO ETF are interventions to improve the quality of education in the state but they are not established by law though they have operational guidelines that dictate their functions. OYO ETF serves as an umbrella body to these two in discharge of their responsibilities, the function of the ETF is broader and more encompassing. It takes a measure of not just improving academic performance but also structures, environment as well as quality delivery of teaching and learning in all schools across the state.
Aside the sources you mentioned, how else will you raise money?
Well, a fund-raising is being organised and it will hold on November 21, 2017 at the International Conference Center of the University of Ibadan. It is part of the statutory source of money for the education trust. We have already invited friends, well wishers and other stakeholders who are interested in seeing to the rust in education in the state being removed. They have shown interest in partnering with us to ensure that Oyo state returns to its rightful place on the ladder of education in Nigeria. No longer are we to be counted among the least in academic performance.
Considering the situation of the country’s economy, how realistic is the N50m endowment fund?
We are working, we are hopeful and we are optimistic. It is for a good cause, it is not for me; I don’t have any young child or anybody going to school, the governor doesn’t have, it is for the benefit of the people. And after the launching, we will still continue with the sensitization and advocacy, it won’t stop at the launching. Like I said, being the first time, it will take time for people to warm up, understand and appreciate what we are doing. So we will continue to encourage people to assist us.
People are usually skeptical about funds being pooled together for a cause. What do you have to say about this?
I want to assure that you that your fund will be judiciously managed and never be derailed from its purpose. You will attest to the accountability and transparency of the fund as time goes on. I am a two-time minister in the country and I do not know the address of any anti-graft agency, I or any member of the board will not mismanage funds. I want to assure you that any fund received will be judiciously used for infrastructures in school such as classrooms, libraries, laboratories and ICT. The fund will also be used for capacity building for teachers and students and generally improve the quality of education to an enviable standard.
Will there be synergy between the OYO ETF and other similar bodies?
We are going to work together so that there is no duplication of efforts, we are working for a common purpose so we will interact and there will be synergy. The members of OYO ETF were chosen from various sectors which will ensure we touch every aspect of education and the lives of children in a positive way. The others; OYOMESI and SGB can approach us for assistance to execute any project that may be bogus for them to do. They are limited in what they can do while we have a broad scope.
You seem passionate about this assignment?
I am passionate; I have a stake because this is my state. I am from Ibadan and I want to use my experience and expertise as a two-time Minister of Industry, as well as current President of the Lagos chambers of Commerce and Industry to improve the lot of my state. I just signed some papers with some Japanese investors to come to Nigeria. I will bring them to Oyo State. This is my state and it must grow.
and then