Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced a policy direction by the government, signalling a shift in focus towards increased investment in basic education over senior high schools.
He observed that, over the years, government spending has been heavily tilted in favour of senior high schools, while basic education, particularly in infrastructure, has suffered neglect.
Mr. Iddrisu made this announcement at the 21st Annual Education World Forum (EWF) in London on Thursday, May 22, held under the theme “Building Stronger, Bolder, and Better Education Together.”
In his address, he emphasised that strengthening basic education is now a critical priority for the government.
“Access to quality education with improved learning outcomes, that is the vision of the new government, and to invest more in basic education. If we review an assessment of our education funding regime in the last decade, you will find proportional expenditure weighted in favour of free senior high school against basic education and tertiary education. But now there is a shift, and that shift is to prioritise basic education.”
This forum serves as a crucial platform for enhancing international collaboration and strengthening partnerships in education.
Haruna Iddrisu also seized the opportunity to engage with numerous donor partners who are making significant contributions to the Ministry of Education, reinforcing the government’s commitment to advancing educational initiatives.