BENIN CITY-The Commissioner for Ministry of Basic Education who was relieved of his job recently Hon. Patrick Aguinede said that Edo State government has renovated 75 percent of public schools across the state.
The former Commissioner stated this while highlighting Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led government achievements in education sector during his time as the helmsman of the ministry.
“I want to say that in terms of renovation of schools and construction of schools the government tried very well because 75 percent of Edo State schools were renovated.
“The governor in his cardinal programme is desire to renovate all schools in Edo State, you know because of capital limitation we have not be able to achieve that height”. Hon. Aguinede stated.
The former Education Commissioner however identified as a challenge the vandalism of the renovated public schools by those he referred to as miscreants and sabotage.
He disclosed that measures have been put in place to address the problem.
“We have put a lot of measures on ground to checkmate the situation where hoodlums go to schools to pull down infrastructure”. The ex-commissioner noted.
Hon. Patrick Aguinede was optimistic that Edo State government would soon restore payment of subventions to public school principals as notifications were made to that effect while he was in office.
He recommended holistic approach to challenges confronting education sector in the state noting that education is a costly venture.
On the recent termination of his appointment by the state governor, Hon. Aguinede stated that it did not come to him as a surprise as he thanked the governor for giving him the opportunity to serve.
“I see it as a football team, for example in a football competition the coach has a right to send any player away because he wants to achieve desire objectives at a specific time, so because you are removed, that does not mean that you are no longer a member of that team.
“Some governors change their commissioners after two years but I have served two years and six months, I don’t feel anything strange has happened, my spirit is very high, we achieved a lot for the ministry”. Hon. Aguinede remarked.
It will be recalled that the Edo State governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole sacked four Commissioners in the State Executive Council to strengthen the system towards optimal performance, last Wednesday, September 9, 2015.
The Commissioners were: Chief Lucky James, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Mrs. Maigida Blessing, Women Affairs and Social Development; Mr. Patrick Aguinede, Ministry of Basic Education and Mr. Chris Ebara, Energy and Water Resources.
