The challenges of funding of Public Schools/ Vocational Centers in the Federal Capital Territory prompted the FCT Education Secretariat to seek for sustainable means of funding. The issue of inadequate funding was brought to the burner recently when the Permanent Secretary FCTA, Sir, Christian Ohaa, said that the challenging economic situation had made parents to withdraw their Children from private Schools and enrolled them in public schools. This he said, has resulted to over stretching of facilities and put pressure on government to increase the provision of facilities such as classrooms, school furniture, instructional materials and so on.
FCTA Perm. Sec., Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa making his remarks at the 1-Day Conference
Sir Ohaa, made this known at the FCTA Education Secretariat Stakeholders Conference on Funding of Public Schools and Vocational Centers held on Thursday, 2nd May, 2019 at FCDA Conference hall. The theme of the Conference was "Seeking Sustainable options for funding of FCT Public Schools and Vocational centers". According to him, the need to seek for alternative sources of funding outside government subventions has become imperative, as government alone cannot and indeed should not be left alone to fund education.
He expressed satisfaction that the focus of the Conference was to address issues concerning the proper management of school resources and also seek other options for the adequate funding of FCT public schools and Vocational Centers. He therefore, charged the Education Secretariat to use the conference to ensure that funding and management of resources do not stand in the way of FCTA's drive to deliver qualitative education to the citizens of the Territory.
The FCTA Secretary for Education, Dr. Bala Muhammed Liman giving his welcome address
In his welcome address at the conference, the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Bala Muhammed Liman stated that the conference was being organized against the backdrop of the need to develop a framework for addressing the funding of the FCT Public Schools with particular reference to addressing issues around the determination and management of school charges as well as seeking alternative options for operational cost in the schools / vocational Centers.
The issues surrounding funding became necessary that a conference of all relevant stakeholders had to be convened to examine the extent to which the issues impacted on Education delivery in Public Schools/ Vocational Centers and to, consider the broader issue of funding options for these schools / vocational centers in order to avoid the temptation to engage in unwholesome practices, and more importantly to provide them resources for optimal performance.
The Permanent Secretary, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa in a hand shake with the Etsu Kwali Alh. Shaban A. Nizazo
Dr. Liman, charged all participants to be open-minded, forthright and constructive in their presentations and contributions, reassuring them that Education Secretariat will take note of all suggestions made at the conference with the view to producing a comprehensive position paper for School/Vocational centers funding for Honourable Minister's approval.
FCT Education Secretariat Management and Special Guests in group photograph with the The Permanent Secretary, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa
The stakeholders at the Conference included the Chairmen and Board Members of SEB & UBEB, Directors of Boards and Departments of FCTA Education Secretariat, National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Traditional Rulers, Association of Retired Principals, School Based Management Committee (SBMC) Chairmen as well as the media.
A cross section of some school heads and principals at the conference
The Keynote Address was presented by Mrs. Rosemary Umana, a retired Director (FCT Department of Science & Technology) and seasoned School Administrator. At the end of the Conference, a communiqué was issued.
Reported by:
Musa Paul N.
Deputy Director (ICT)
DPPR&S, FCT Education Secretariat
Musa Paul N.
Deputy Director (ICT)
DPPR&S, FCT Education Secretariat