By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The United Nations Ambassador for Quality and Affordable Education in Africa, Ambassador Dr. Adekunle Badmus, recently emphasized the importance of quality education as a cornerstone for a promising future. Speaking at an event aimed at promoting intellectual development and public speaking skills among primary school pupils in Lagos State, Ambassador Badmus, who is also a UN diplomat in the Government Bilateral Agreement, highlighted the significance of education in leaving a lasting legacy.
The event, organized by LGNA International in collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Irish Embassy Nigeria, witnessed the participation of several Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) in the Lagos Primary School Debate Competition. Among the qualifiers for the semi-finals were St. Francis Primary School, representing Kosofe Local Government Education Authority, as well as schools from Eti-Osa, Alimosho, Ikeja, Oshodi Isolo, and Agege.
On Friday, May 26, 2023, at SUBEB Hall in Maryland, Kosofe, Lagos, the LGEAs and their debaters will engage in a spirited discussion on the topic, “This House Believes that Nigeria’s Security System is Porous.” The aim of the competition is to provide an opportunity for primary school students to express their views on important societal issues and enhance their public speaking abilities.
Ambassador Badmus applauded the initiative, highlighting the urgent need to address the challenges faced by government schools. He stressed the significance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including the government, international organizations, and the private sector, in order to create an enabling environment for innovative ideas and improve education.
Furthermore, Ambassador Badmus advocated for the establishment of Government Bilateral Agreement offices in all state ministries of education across the country. These offices would facilitate partnerships between government schools and private entities, allowing the former to access necessary resources and bridge the gap with private schools.
Mr. Tunde Jakande, CEO of LGNA International, described the competition as an advocacy program to promote good governance and excellence in public administration. He highlighted the remarkable talents of the students, emphasizing that their potential was comparable to that of students from the most expensive private schools in Lagos. Jakande also commended the dedication of public school teachers, who motivate and encourage students to reach their full potential.
In a bid to support and recognize the participants, LGNA International pledged to provide attractive prizes, including laptops and desktop computers. The winner of the competition would also have the opportunity to embark on a study tour to the Ireland. Additionally, the organization aimed to donate books and computer equipment to enhance the educational experience of all participating schools.
The involvement of the Irish Embassy in a primary school debate competition marked a significant milestone, as such events have traditionally focused on secondary schools. The partnership between LGNA International, SUBEB, and the Irish Embassy demonstrates their shared commitment to fostering educational development and empowering young minds.
As the competition approaches, the excitement and anticipation continue to build among the 1,017 public primary schools involved. This inclusive approach seeks to ensure that every child receives a basic exposure to public speaking and gains valuable knowledge and information.
