Neglect of education our major problem —FG •As Korea invests $32 m in Nigeria’s education

THE Federal Government has blamed the woes plaguing the nation on neglect of education, over the years, by successive administrations in the country.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Muhammed Musa Bello spoke while the Republic of Korea envoy to Nigeria, Mr Noh Kyu-duk, advised the Federal Government to continue to invest more in human capital development in order to deliver the country out of the woods.

The FCT Minister and the envoy spoke at the weekend while declaring open a training programme for teachers in the Korea International Cooperation (KOICA) supported by FCT Model School in Abuja.

Bello said education is the bedrock of development, adding that no nation, desirous of meaningful growth, could afford to neglect the vital sector.

“If we are to meet our potential as a great nation, we must refocus our energy on the education sector by redirecting our efforts towards ensuring that it once more takes its pride of place in national development agenda,” he said.

The Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, in his remark said his country was interested in providing support to Nigeria’s education sector, based on the realisation that human capital remained key element to any development initiative.

He said Korea embarked on establishment of Model Schools in Abuja to underscore the importance of quality basic education as well as providing access to millions of Nigerian children who are out-of-school.

According to him, Korea through KOICA, has invested more than $32 million in Nigeria.

Kyu-duk noted that the Abuja Model School Project which was based on the bilateral agreement between KOICA and its implementing agencies, would be a public school of reference in terms of high quality education, motivated teachers, quality students, standard infrastructure and operations.

He said the training programme for the teachers was designed to enhance their capacity at ensuring quality learning outcomes among pupils.

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) disclosed that KOICA has so far supported basic education in the construction of 21 additional classrooms in Katsina, 16 additional classrooms in Kogi State, construction of two schools of 15 classrooms each and administrative block in Gombe and Adamawa states.

The agency the Nigerian Tribune gathered has also been involved in the training of teachers and educational administrators in Korea, including supply and installation of IT equipment, among others.

The Country Director of KOICA, Mrs. Sook Hyum Park, said since inception in 2008 KOICA Nigeria Office had implemented series of projects ranging from technical and vocational education, basic education, health, agriculture and various short and long-term scholarships to over 1000 public servants in Nigeria.