N21bn Ogun model schools ‘ll commence operations in September – Amosun

Against all odds and criticisms that trailed establishment of model secondary schools launched in 2012 by Ogun state government,  Governor Ibikunle Amosun has disclosed that the state-owned model secondary schools will commence operations in September.

It will be recalled that Governor Amosun earmarked N21 billion for the construction of model secondary schools across the 20 local government areas of the state to improve the standard of education in the Southwest state, saying his administration had come to re-write education system in the state.

Speaking through his deputy, Yetunde Onanuga, during the flag-off of summer camp‎ for 250 students held in one of the model schools located in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state on Monday, Amosun said “finishing touches” were being put to the schools to make their operations begin in full swing for the 2016/2017 academic session.

‎He noted that apart from ultra-modern facilities provided for model secondary schools, adequate security arrangement had been made to protect the lives and property of the students and staff, adding that the aim of model schools is to revolutionise the education sector and set the pace in access to quality‎ education.

He said, “Our model schools will be starting in September by God’s grace. Ogun State government is ready and we are just putting finishing touches to all the other things that are supposed to be there. Forms are already in place but they have not been distributed. We want to start with this summer camp‎ first.

“We have so many brilliant students in our public schools that don’t have the opportunity to go to private schools. But with these model schools, once you are brilliant and you are doing well, you can come. It’s a subsidised form of school for the less privileged.”

Earlier, Modupe Mujota, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, stated that the summer camp initiative was aimed at engaging children constructively during the holidays, adding that the state government wanted the programme to be a reward for‎ students who had done well in the state-sponsored unified examinations.

‎She noted that the model school would focus on four key areas, including academics, practical life skills, performing arts and craft as well as sports.

“The summer camp initiative was the brainchild of governor’s desire to engage our youths constructively during the summer month. He also wanted it to be a reward for those who have worked tirelessly to do very well in the state-sponsored unified examinations.

“We looked at the performance during the state-sponsored unified examinations and we decided to pick those that distinguished themselves with high scores across board and that’s how we were able to harvest some of the ones that were sponsored”, she noted.

The commissioner stated that adequate security measure had been put in place to ensure the camp is safe throughout the duration of the programme.