Soludo Unveils Education Reforms in Anambra Following Release of Innovative Report

In a significant development for the education sector, Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, received the comprehensive report titled “Solution Agenda: Shaping the Future of Anambra State through Innovative Educational Strategies” for the 2022/2023 academic sessions. The report was presented by the State Educational Advisory Council at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia.

The Council, comprised of 18 members with Governor Soludo as Chairman and Chief Osita Chidoka as Vice Chairman, was inaugurated to chart new pathways for delivering quality education and enhancing learning outcomes in the Anambra school system. The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma Udeh, served as Secretary.

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As of the 2022/2023 academic session, Anambra State boasted 1098 public and 2694 private Early Child Care and Primary Schools, accommodating a total of 255,897 pupils. The report highlighted that the state had consistently ranked within the top three in WAEC and JAMB scores over the years.

The Council, through Chief Osita Chidoka, presented key recommendations aimed at elevating the state's education system. These included a new funding mechanism with community participation, an education trust fund, and improved funding for teacher recruitment and training. Additionally, the report proposed repurposing the state’s multiple education platforms into a single technology platform for enhanced accessibility to information, training videos, student results, and performance data.

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To ensure accountability and quality, the report suggested redesigning the school inspection and supervision framework. This would involve grading and ranking schools based on pre-set criteria such as the quality of infrastructure, performance in standardized tests, learning outcomes, students' performance in national examinations, and teacher qualifications, attendance, and performance.

In a bid to align Anambra State with global standards, the report recommended joining the Program for International Students Assessments (PISA) as a sub-national government. This move, inspired by PISA 2022 findings, aimed to emphasize the importance of teacher quality over class sizes in improving education outcomes, particularly in lower-income nations.

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Governor Soludo, acknowledging the significance of the report, praised its content as "excellent" and its recommendations as "innovative." He promptly directed the implementation of key recommendations, including a new funding model for public schools, setting new standards for school inspection and supervision, and developing a strategy for grading and ranking schools across the state.

The Governor expressed optimism, stating, "It's a time for joy and optimism as we embark on this transformative journey, pioneering innovative solutions for funding, supervision, and technology integration in education. Together, we are building a brighter future for Anambra’s children and setting a stellar example amid national challenges." The Governor extended gratitude to the volunteers who supported the Council's efforts, highlighting their crucial role in shaping the state's educational landscape.