By Victoria Okpanachi
Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the revised National Education Quality Assurance Policy (NEQAP), as part of its effort to improve educational standards across the State.
This was made known during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday, in Lokoja, where stakeholders gathered to discuss strategies for effective execution of the revised policy.
In his address, Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, stressed the urgent need to prioritise quality control in the educational sector, noting that it is critical to securing a better future for upcoming generations.
“We must ensure that the standards of education are consistently upheld. Quality education is non-negotiable if we hope to build a successful and progressive society,” he stated.
Hon. Jones acknowledged the challenges that often accompany policy implementation but maintained that stakeholders must remain focused and united in their efforts to maintain educational standards.
He called for cooperation between the Federal Education Quality Assurance Services and the State Ministry of Education, to ensure smooth implementation and full compliance with the revised policy.
Delivering his remarks, Dr Ezekiel Ajayi, Director and Coordinating Evaluator at the Federal Education Quality Assurance Services, described the NEQAP as a critical instrument aimed at reforming Nigeria’s education system.
Dr Ajayi explained that the revised policy aligns with the current administration’s Renewed Hope initiative and addresses essential areas such as school supervision, performance evaluation, and leadership capacity building.
“Education forms the foundation of any meaningful national development. A forward-thinking government must prioritise the quality of education if it is to succeed,” he added.
While giving their goodwill messages, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Omolayo Berikisu Onasare, and Director of Education Quality Assurance Services, Mrs Ruth Opaluwa, both affirmed the state’s strong commitment to enhancing educational quality.
They said the policy demonstrates the government’s resolve to raise academic standards and ensure effective service delivery across schools in the state.