World Bank Commends Anambra Govt’s Education Programme

World Bank has commended the Anambra State Government for the implementation of the State Education Programme Investment Project, SEPIP, in rural schools. Mr. Irajen Appasamy, the team leader of the World Bank, made the commendation during a courtesy visit to Governor Willie Obiano in Awka, yesterday. The team had visited some schools in rural areas to evaluate the implementation of the 2014 Disbursement Link Indicators for SEPIP aimed at improving the quality of education and boosting job opportunities among youths. Appasamy praised the state government’s innovation in the areas of teacher deployment to rural areas with incentives, renovation of dilapidated structures and the provision of learning aids among others. He also assured the governor of the World Bank’s continued support, while advising him to raise awareness and access to the programme for school-aged children. A Senior Education Specialist of the World Bank, Dr. Tunde Adekola, also advised the governor to employ more teachers, as well as provide seats in schools in Nnewi. Adekola also commended the existing partnership between the state government, private establishments and technical institutions for the practical training of students in technical and vocational skills. In response to the commendation, Governor Obiano described the World Bank as “the driving force to most achievements recorded in the education sector.”Obiano said his administration was stepping up efforts to promote free girl-child education by siting schools close to farmers and traders.