Unarguably, Education is a vital investment for human and economic development and is influenced by the environment within which it exists. Changes in technology, labour market patterns and general global environment, all require policy responses. Traditions, culture and faith all reflect upon the education system and, at the same time, are also affected by them.
The element of continuity and change remains perpetual and it is up to the society to determine its pace and direction. We are living in an inquiring and innovation-oriented society. The demand of 21st century is novelty, creativity, and integration of knowledge at global level, research, critical and analytical thoughts.
To prepare the children and youth to cope with the present situation needs development of analytical and critical thinking, skill and attitude that would make them more flexible and innovative to deal with uncertainty and crises at national and global level.
According to UNESCO, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) now permeates the educational environment and underscores the very success of the 21st century education. The Joint Admission and Matriculation Examination (JAMB) is not an exception to the ICT invention. This is an important aspect of nationhood that must not be ignored.
Unfortunately, the Nigerian education sector is confronted with a myriad of challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure and funding, which, no doubt, impede proper implementation of ICT programmes in schools, colleges and other learning centres. In most public and private schools, basic ICT infrastructure are grossly inadequate, and where they are available, epileptic power supply makes it difficult, if not impossible, for them to function properly.
It is against this backdrop that the EDAFE UNUEZI ODUH FOUNDATION Free JAMB Lecture was birthed to give succour to the less privileged, the poor and all young Isoko Sons and daughters aspiring to further their education but can’t afford the financial involvement.
The EUOF free jamb lecture didn’t only create job for Twenty-Four (24) well screened vibrant and intelligent teachers from Isoko, it accommodated a total of 820 students across all Isoko villages including some students from Isoko neighbouring villages from Ndokwa East and West LGA (Asaba-Ase, Ibedeni, Abbi town etc). Isoko South had 503 students that benefited from the scheme while Isoko North had 317 beneficiaries.
It was the best tutorials that Isoko has experienced in recent times so said the EUOF free JAMB lecture students. It was an atmosphere of learning and impartation of knowledge. The high level of coordination, transparency and discipline that filled the environment during lectures was equal to none, one wouldn’t have believed that Isoko still has such high level of vibrant and intelligent teachers.
Truly you don’t know the ability of a man until he or she is given the platform to showcase it. The EUOF free JAMB lecture didn’t only curb youth restiveness while it lasted, it also awakened the slumbering brain of its beneficiaries and saved parents the financial stress of enrollment in this economic recession.
The examination has come and gone leaving on its heel the best scorer in Delta State among other firsts. Mr. Kingdom Arighakpo, the Coordinator of the Scheme has the following breakdown of results from students who participated in the Scheme:
For Isoko South, 352 students sent in their results (12 students scored btw 1-150, 108 students scored btw 151-200, 13 students scored btw 201-250, 93 students scored between 251-300 and 3 students scored between 301-350).
In Isoko North, 211 students sent in their results thus (10 students scored btw 1-150, 83 students scored between 151-200, 75 students scored between 201-250 and 43 students scored between 251-300).
The quality of the teachers that were engaged (employed) during the 6months program, the well organized nature of the tutorials and the fact that the EUOF lecture was absolutely free with free note books made the EUOF JAMB lecture a first of its kind and the evening lesson that prepared students across Isoko land and it’s neighbouring villages for this year’s JAMB.
We are well pleased with the performance of the students and going by the information at our disposal, one OKORIGWE SAMUEL from Oleh in Isoko south LGA a beneficiary of the EUOF free JAMB lecture has emerged the highest scorer in Delta State in this year’s JAMB with a total score of 336.
Kudos to the EUOF free JAMB lecture team and OKORIGWE SAMUEL for making Isoko proud and kudos to Edafe Unuezi Oduh for investing in the future of our children. I make bold to say that Isoko must become members of a new race, overcoming party prejudice and hate, owing our political allegiance not to party or religion but to the Man that will strive for the betterment of Isoko land via investing on human and capital development.
By: EDAFE UNUEZI ODUH FOUNDATION.
