Success Story 

Multi-Stakeholder Involvement Improves Basic Education Use and Quality

Lagos, Nigeria, April 2008

As usual, Akarowese Esther struggled at school. Though most of her peers also struggled, hers was probably more justified.  Built in 1916, Akarowese’s school, African Bethel Primary School Ota-Ona in Ikorodu Local Government Area in Lagos State suffered from lack of upkeep and was in serious disrepair.

Failing roofs allowed rain to interrupt lessons and damage property while broken windows and severely rough floor surfaces posed huge safety concerns. The unclean water affected health and hygiene and the concentration of thirsty children and teachers. Furthermore, the lack of basic school infrastructure like chairs, tables, and adequate instructional materials like textbooks and learning aids made it uncomfortable, unattractive, less interactive, and almost impossible for teachers to deliver lessons and manage the classes.

Throughout Nigeria, the poor quality of basic education services threatens its use. Decades of mismanagement has left most public schools in deplorable condition. With few professional development opportunities for teachers, classroom instruction is substandard. Parents with the financial means send their children to private school while other children either attend public school or drop out to undertake menial jobs.

In Lagos, Kano and Nasarawa States, the USAID-funded Community Participation for Action in the Social Sector (COMPASS) Project works at the grassroots’ level through community coalitions, Parent-Teachers Associations (PTAs), local non-governmental organizations, and government agencies to improve enrolment and education quality in public and Islamiyya primary schools.

Following a series of trainings and individualized mentoring for the teachers and PTA at African Bethel, the Project awarded a sub-grant for improving the buildings and services at the school. Besides the sub-grant, the PTA launched a fundraising campaign that attracted the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board which supported the initiative with Five Hundred Thousand Naira (over $4,200) while discounts ranging from 30 40% were leveraged from corporate bodies on building materials.

Hearing of the multi-stakeholder participation at the school, the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation supplied and administered de-worming drugs for over 500 pupils while Friesland Foods, a corporation, supplied disposable cups. Joining the spur, the State Education Secretary provided refreshments during teacher trainings and materials for developing school resource centres, while school food vendors provided disinfectants and cleaning tools for the school.

It was no surprise when proud pupils, parents, and teachers displayed beautiful banners and cheered at the commissioning of the newly rejuvenated school by the State Governor in November 2007. In his remark the Governor said, “The renovation of the school is a good example of partnership between government, corporate bodies, development partners and the community.”  He continued, “Government will not relent in its efforts to develop education in the state and other private interest should join government in doing this task.”

According to school head teacher Mrs. M.O. Ogundele, the school witnessed over an 85% increase in enrolment from 717 to 865 pupils following the renovation.  “I am certain the new school facilities and services will help retain the pupils,” she said.