By Kelechi Azubuike

DIRECTOR, Whitefield High School, Mr. Luke Onyeanula, has faulted the recent United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation ,UNESCO, report that about 10 million children are out of school in Nigeria, saying that the advent of private schools has been a boost to the education sector.

Onyeanula said this at the school’s 2013 Valedictory Service/ Award Giving Ceremony in honour of the 2012/2013 students.

”I don’t agree with the statistics because if you go to the various communities, you will find schools beings established and the fees are being brought down so that people can afford it.

“This has reduced the level of illiteracy. We have tried the much we can to ensure that students are not scared away by school fees. So, how does the report reflect the reality in the education sector, when the private sector is establishing schools in every nook and cranny of the country?’

“Government needs to give proper attention to basic education in order not to give room for this type of report. Individuals should be encouraged to establish schools in order to provide affordable education.”

”I have a solid management team that has been able to ensure that all the school programmes are in compliance with Lagos State Education management rules. We well educated and qualified teachers. The challenges are enormous. For you to have an approval from the government demands that you have to put all requirements in place.

The serious problem we have now is accommodation because of the growing number of students. The aspect of parents meeting up with school fees is also a herculean challenge. I have never gone to the bank to borrow money.”