The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi has said that he will introduce a mandatory “No Child left Behind” educational policy, mindful that Nigeria’s inadequate investment in the social sectors – health, education, and housing has resulted in the current dismal social and demographic trends reflected in low life expectancy, high maternal mortality rate, large number of out-of- school children, huge unmet housing needs as well high youth unemployment.
Obi spoke on Saturday at the Queens College, Lagos 95th Anniversary. He said that as governor of Anambra State, his administration achieved close to a 60-40 gender balance in appointive and elective positions.
“The national target has hovered around 30-35%. We intend to progressively aim for between 35-40%, with aggressive gender mainstreaming action plan and rigid benchmarks, Obi said.
Obi reiterated that his government shall prioritize education to serve the following functions: technical and industry relevance; alignment with local comparative advantages and factor endowments; modern skills proficiency, critical thinking, ethical citizenship values, global competitiveness, and talent export.
“We will prioritize a structured approach to developing the digital skills of our young population to give them the competitive advantage to receive offshore jobs in the new gig economy, while also improving the efficiency and productivity level of our economy.
“We will pursue a Marshal plan-type programme on education that incorporates compulsory technical and vocational skills, sports, entrepreneurship, programming, and digital skills from primary to the secondary level, Obi reiterated.
He said that the contributions of the famous QC to nation-building remain invaluable. While QC continues its part to train and uplift the girl child, the Government must do its part too.
He assured Nigerians that the Obi-Datti administration, when elected President of Nigeria, will sustain national development.
He said, “Our governance principles, priority projects and programmes shall be anchored on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Experience shows that inclusiveness is an essential element in effective public policy making. This means that groups that are often under-represented or not represented in decision-making processes such as women, youth, and the vulnerable are not only consulted but also have their participation sought.
“From its inception, our administration will continue to encourage investment in infrastructure, energy, transport, irrigation, and telecoms and education. Gender mainstreaming and social inclusion in education, enterprise and politics will always be a priority.
“Our commitment to the wellbeing of the girl child and women is total and will be fully reflected in our broad and gender-specific policies.
“We will reset and reboot Nigeria in all ramifications –leadership and governance, security of life and properties, economic and political freedom.
“This will entail the promotion of intangible assets that underpin democracy; namely, good governance, rule of law, security of lives and properties and robust institutions. There will be visible and measurable indices of governance the people can experience.
