Nigeria's Edo State to expand education reforms

In a bid to overhaul the basic education system in Nigeria's Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has spearheaded an ambitious initiative known as the Edo Best Program. The program, which has been in place for the past three years, has shown significant promise in elevating learning outcomes and addressing the root causes of educational challenges in the state. Governor Obaseki sat down with CNBC Africa to discuss the journey of the program and its future trajectory. Three years ago, the Edo State government identified a critical issue plaguing the state - a breakdown in the educational system leading to high rates of human trafficking, migration, and unemployment among young people. Governor Obaseki recognized that the lack of quality education was a fundamental factor contributing to the employability crisis faced by the youth. To tackle this challenge head-on, the government launched the Edo State Basic Education Center Transformation Program, also known as Edo Best. The program focused on upskilling teachers, leveraging technology through the provision of tablets to teachers, and implementing a robust monitoring system to track student progress and learning outcomes. One of the key achievements of the Edo Best Program has been the remarkable improvement in learning outcomes among students. Governor Obaseki highlighted that children enrolled in the program are now learning at 70% of the rate seen in European and Asian countries. This rapid progress, achieved in less than three years, has put Edo State ahead of the national average in Nigeria, where learning outcomes stand at 30%. The success of the program underscores the effectiveness of targeted interventions and a holistic approach to education reform. Looking ahead, Governor Obaseki shared insights into the next phase of the Edo Best Initiative. With support from the World Bank, the program is set to expand into junior secondary schools, senior secondary schools, and technical institutions. The vision is to provide a seamless educational experience for students from primary to secondary levels, ensuring that they acquire essential numeracy and literacy skills by the time they complete basic education. Governor Obaseki emphasized the importance of equipping students with vocational skills and empowering them to make informed decisions about their education pathways. As Governor Obaseki outlined the future targets of the program, he emphasized the critical role of leadership, commitment, and partnerships in sustaining the reforms beyond his tenure. He underscored the need for government officials and stakeholders to prioritize education reform and work collaboratively to drive lasting change. By leveraging the expertise of the private sector and aligning incentives for success, Governor Obaseki believes that the Edo Best Program can serve as a replicable model for other states facing similar educational challenges. In conclusion, the Edo State education reforms exemplify a proactive and visionary approach to addressing systemic issues in the basic education sector. By prioritizing teacher training, technology integration, and student-centered learning, the Edo Best Program has set a new standard for educational excellence in the region. Governor Obaseki's unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of young people through quality education bodes well for the future of Edo State's education system.