The Country Director of the Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa, has extended a heartfelt invitation to the President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, for an on-site tour of schools in Edo State. The invitation comes in response to the disheartening state of education in the region, despite the announcement of substantial funding and the implementation of the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) program.
Governor Godwin Obaseki had previously announced the approval of a $75 million facility from the World Bank, aiming to bring significant changes and improvements to Edo State’s educational infrastructure, resources, and overall quality of education. However, Prince Mayaki expressed concern over the lack of visible impact and improvements in the educational system, stating that promised advancements have not materialized and numerous challenges persist.
The invitation, conveyed through a press statement, and signed by John Mayaki seeks to provide the World Bank president with a firsthand experience of the deplorable conditions faced by schools, particularly in rural areas. The assessment is intended to deepen understanding of the urgent need for intervention and support in Edo State’s education sector. By reassessing the effectiveness of allocated funds and providing recommendations for targeted interventions, Prince Mayaki hopes to ignite renewed commitment and action toward fulfilling the promises made to revamp education in Edo State.
The invitation emphasizes transparency, accountability, and a shared commitment to improving education, particularly for underserved rural areas where children bear the brunt of existing challenges. While the EdoBEST program has garnered praise from global institutions, there is a call to critically assess its impact, especially in terms of infrastructure and resource allocation. Adequate classrooms, chairs, and tables are deemed essential for effective education delivery, yet these necessities are lacking in many schools across Edo State.
According to the Country Director, “it is vital to address the disparity between urban and rural areas when implementing educational reforms. Neglecting rural areas undermines the goal of providing equal opportunities for all students. To accurately evaluate the success of EdoBEST, its impact across the entire state should be considered, rather than relying solely on achievements in a single school.
“Although positive outcomes have been observed, such as improved learning results and adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the long-term sustainability and scalability of the program is crucial. The invitation aims to provide the World Bank president with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the education system in Edo State, enabling an informed assessment of the effectiveness and impact of the EdoBEST program.
“In highlighting the need for further investments in infrastructure, resources, and equitable distribution of educational reforms, the invitation emphasizes comprehensive evaluations and long-term sustainability strategies to ensure lasting positive outcomes. Prince Mayaki kindly requests the World Bank president to provide a preferred date and time for the tour, assuring that all necessary arrangements will be made to facilitate the visit. The participation of the World Bank is highly valued and eagerly awaited to showcase the ground realities of the education system in Edo State.”