Former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has called on state governors across the country to return the running of schools to religious bodies and perform only supportive roles.
The call was contained in his speech during the Anglican Diocese of Lagos Mainland Pre-Synod breakfast fellowship, where he said the success his administration recorded in education was made possible by the churches.
Obi explained that during his first two years in office, the state’s rating in West African Examinations Council, WAEC, and National Examinations Council, NECO, was very poor.
Obi said, “I could remember that our state was number 25 in WAEC and NECO, while Oyo State was 26.
“The following year, we would alternate. I looked at it critically and ordered that every school must be returned to the church.
“I said any money meant for education should be given directly to the Bishop.
“Between 2011 and 2013, Anambra was number one in NECO.
“Religious bodies are the only thing that is saving us in this country, and we need to support them and Nigerians also need to be prayerful for everyone in office; that they use public money for public good.”
In line with this, Diocesan Bishop and Archbishop, Province of Lagos, Most Revd Adebayo Akinde, pointed out that the custody of education was given to the Church by God, adding that Christianity moves side by side education.
The Bishop noted that nothing was wrong with the present education system, while also calling on government to desist from frequent experimentation.
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