Secondary school stakeholders in Ekiti State are calling on governments at all levels to increase funding for education, warning that poor financing continues to affect learning conditions and student outcomes across public high schools.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the call comes from education advocates and alumni groups who say classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and teacher welfare remain underfunded despite rising enrolment and growing demands on the education system.
The stakeholders raise these concerns at a press conference in Igede-Ekiti, where they highlight challenges facing secondary schools in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large. They argue that without urgent financial intervention, many public schools will struggle to deliver quality education to students.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the group leader, Ifelola Oyebade, speaks on behalf of concerned education stakeholders and alumni associations committed to improving learning standards in public secondary schools.
Oyebade, who is the President of the Ekiti Baptist High School Old Students Association, Igede-Ekiti, acknowledges that government has made efforts to support education through policies, recruitment of teachers, and infrastructure projects. However, he insists that current funding levels are not enough to meet the growing needs of schools.
He explains that many secondary schools operate with outdated learning materials, overcrowded classrooms, and limited access to science and technology facilities. According to him, these conditions place students at a disadvantage and weaken their ability to compete academically at national and global levels.
Oyebade stresses that education funding should not be seen as an expense but as an investment in human capital and national development. He notes that strong secondary education forms the foundation for higher education, skilled workforce development, and long-term economic growth.
The stakeholders also raise concerns about teacher welfare, pointing out that inadequate training opportunities, limited instructional resources, and heavy workloads affect teaching quality. They argue that well-trained and motivated teachers are essential to improving student performance.
In addition to government funding, the group calls for stronger partnerships between public authorities, private organisations, alumni associations, and community leaders. They believe collaborative efforts can help mobilise resources for school renovation, digital learning tools, scholarships, and extracurricular programmes.
Oyebade adds that alumni groups are ready to contribute their quota but cannot replace the role of government in funding public education. He urges policymakers to prioritise education in budget allocations, especially at the secondary school level.
The stakeholders also appeal for improved monitoring and accountability to ensure that funds released to schools are used transparently and effectively. They argue that proper oversight will improve public confidence and encourage more private-sector support for education.
They further call for policies that address regional and rural-urban disparities in school funding, noting that schools in smaller towns like Igede-Ekiti often face greater challenges compared to those in urban centres.
Education experts at the briefing warn that continued underfunding could widen inequality, increase dropout rates, and limit opportunities for young people, particularly those from low-income families.
The group urges the Ekiti State Government and the Federal Government to align education spending with global standards and Nigeria’s long-term development goals. They also call for sustained investment in infrastructure, digital education, and curriculum development.
As discussions on education reform continue nationwide, the stakeholders express hope that their advocacy will draw attention to the urgent needs of secondary schools and inspire meaningful action.
They reaffirm their commitment to engaging policymakers, communities, and development partners to ensure that every child in Ekiti State and across Nigeria has access to quality secondary education.
