The Country Director, Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa, Prince John Mayaki has invited the president, World Bank Group in Washington DC, Ajay Banga for on site tour of schools in Edo state.

 

Mayaki in a press statement signed personally and made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday said the invitation is aimed at providing the World Bank president with first-hand knowledge of the deplorable condition of schools and challenges they claimed that the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) program is working and yielding positive results in Edo state.

 

The Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa Country Director said the announcement made by Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2020 that the World Bank had approved a $75 million facility for the purpose of transforming education in Edo State, stressed that the substantial funding was expected to bring about significant changes and improvements in the state's educational infrastructure, resources, and overall quality of education.

 

He however said that it is disheartening to note that the current state of education in Edo State is far from satisfactory, adding that the promised impact and improvements have not materialized, and the educational system continues to face numerous challenges.

 

Part of the letter reads, 'We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to extend a heartfelt invitation to the World Bank for an on-the- spot tour of schools in Edo State, particularly in the rural areas. 

 

"We are inviting you for an on-the-spot assessment of Edo schools, especially in the rural areas, because despite the announcement of significant funding for the revamping of education in Edo State, there has been little to no visible impact or improvement in the state's educational system.

 

"By inviting you for an on-the-spot assessment, it is our aim that it would provide you with a first-hand experience of the deplorable conditions of schools, particularly in rural areas. 

 

"This assessment will enable you to witness the reality on the ground and gain a deeper understanding of the urgent need for intervention and support in Edo State's education sector.

 

"We believe that through this assessment, you will be able to reassess the effectiveness of the allocated funds and provide recommendations for targeted interventions that can bring about the desired positive change in Edo State's educational system. It is our hope that such an assessment will lead to a renewed commitment and action towards fulfilling the promises made to revamp education in Edo State.

 

"Overall, the invitation for an on-the-spot assessment is a call for transparency, accountability, and a shared commitment to improving education for the children of Edo State, particularly those in underserved rural areas who are currently facing the brunt of the existing challenges.

 

"While EdoBEST has received praise from the World Bank and other global institutions, it is imperative to critically assess its impact, especially regarding infrastructure and resource allocation.

 

 "Adequate classrooms, chairs, and tables are indispensable for effective education delivery, and unfortunately, these necessities are lacking in many schools across Edo State.

 

"Moreover, it is vital to address the significant disparity between urban and rural areas when implementing educational reforms. Focusing solely on urban centres while neglecting rural areas undermines the goal of providing equal opportunities for all students. 

 

"To accurately evaluate the success of EdoBEST, it is essential to consider its impact across the entire state, rather than basing judgments solely on the achievements of a single school in Benin City.

 

"While there have been positive outcomes in terms of improved learning results and adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability and scalability of the program. Gathering real-time data and implementing systemic solutions are commendable, but it is equally important to guarantee that interventions can effectively scale up to benefit a wider population.

 

"By accepting this invitation and personally witnessing the conditions of schools in rural areas, we hope that you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the education system in Edo State.

 

 "This will enable a more informed assessment of the effectiveness and impact of the EdoBEST program.

 

"We believe that your esteemed presence on the on-site tour will shed light on the need for further investments in infrastructure, resources, and equitable distribution of educational reforms.

 

 "It will also highlight the importance of comprehensive evaluations and long-term sustainability strategies to ensure lasting positive outcomes.

 

"We kindly request that you provide us with your preferred date and time for the tour, and we will make all the necessary arrangements to facilitate your visit. Your participation will be highly valued and appreciated.

 

"Thank you for considering this invitation. We eagerly await your response and the opportunity to showcase the ground realities of the education system in Edo State."