By Bayo Akinlade Esq
With the economic hardship caused by the deregulation in the oil sector, everyone has been made to adjust while clamoring for increases in salaries.
The Nigerian government has responded to these issues by increasing minimum wage, reviewing salary structures and reducing work days for civil servants.
Now that schools have resumed it seems that our challenges have only increased.
Will school teachers be required to work 5 days a week while their civil servant counterparts in Lagos enjoy 2 free work days?
Will our wards in public schools be required to pay more for transportation to their schools or will the government in Lagos and other parts devise a way of making it easier for parents to send their wards to school.
Will government support by providing dedicated free or subsidized transportation for students and our teachers?
Will government come up with a policy that increases the school hours and reduce the school days? (School hours can be increased from 9am to 5pm each day for 3 days a week sessions so students and teachers are only in class 3 days a week as opposed to 5 days a week)
What is the education policy plan in light of the economic challenges?
We cannot afford to compromise our education sector, we have to make it better and keep our wards off the streets.
_Bayo Akinlade Esq is the Convener of Duty Solicitors Network, an Advocate for good governance and transparency_