Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon is the proprietor of the foremost PACESETTERS SCHOOLS in Abuja . Having schools in four choice areas in a major city is no mean feat. He shares his experiences with KEMI DAYO-AIYETAN.

At 48, how would you view Nigeria?

Where we were 48 years ago is not where we are. In 1960, we had just a few higher institutions, even secondary schools but today, so many schools abound. We have over 70 private universities, many private secondary schools and the Federal Government has improved with policies affecting education. Though not the best globally, our standard has improved. There are also setbacks we suffered and had losses through incessant strikes, we still have done well. We have fared well but there must be improvement with teachers' welfare. They should be paid as and when due.

As a private school proprietor, don't you feel the public schools are not meeting world standards of education?

A people get the kind of education they want. Not that the government is not responding to educational sector but the question is: are the funds going to the right channels? Education is capital intensive-running schools, keeping the students, providing stationery, etc. I don't think government has failed but I think that the actors, who execute government actions, must give the Nigerian people their right due. Let the funds be used for what it was budgeted for. I think government must be more proactive, more involved and policies implemented with adequate supervision. Many funds voted for institutions are not accounted for. The recent World Bank funds given to some institutions should be adequately supervised and heads of such institutions should be made accountable to the government. There should be adequate supervision and execution. When this is in place, you get good educational standard. Lastly, teachers are the burden bearer; they are the final deliverer of product, so they should be adequately compensated. A happy teacher works better; create a good environment for children. A well paid teacher is a happy teacher and when a teacher delivers well in class, she has good products from the children. Let us pay teachers well because an educated nation is a wealthy and combatant nation.

But private school proprietors are accused of not treating teachers well and they are not well remunerated?

I don't think so. Issues like this should not be generalised because in our school, the least paid teacher earns N35,000; this excludes car loans, which we facilitate from banks. I believe teachers should have their rewards on earth and I ensure that in my school. I agree that there should be improved salary scale for teachers because everyone was taught by a teacher. I also advocate private participation from banks in teachers' welfare. They should be accessible to loans and certain provisions made for them. Education cannot be done by a sector alone. It has to be a joint venture. Let the banks also make provision for schools, teachers and students by ensuring a certain percentage of money go for education. Even the Central Bank of Nigeria can ensure that two per cent of bank budget be made available for education. After 48 years of independence, no teacher should be left behind in any form of development.

Does it take only millionaires to be proprietors in Abuja?

I don't think so because having an educational centre starts with having the heart to serve. Then, the desire to make a change. You must be willing and ready to work round the clock. We have schools in four locations in Abuja and running both primary and secondary schools could take a lot of time. I started the Pacesetters College seven years ago out of my love to make a change in our country. The only tool for change is education. These children we are producing are combatant ready and the standard can be matched with any in the world. Schools can never be enough and more should still be founded. I believe Abuja schools are about the best in Africa due to the supervisory roles of the government. The Department of Policy Implementation (DPI) and education department are on their toes in ensuring policy implementation in both private and public schools in Abuja . Here, you can't think of having a sub-standard school due to the structure in the ministry of education. When El-Rufai, the former FCT minister was in power, he ensured that activities of both private and public schools were looked into. He upgraded the public schools and they also operate school buses like the private. Fortunately the same step is taken by the present administration of Dr. Modibbo Umar, who has taken steps to computerise all public schools in the FCT. Apart from a few differences, Abuja public schools can match private schools anywhere in the world. To be a proprietor, you don't have to be a millionaire, just have the heart to make a change and you shall succeed.

But there must be challenges of running an educational centre in a place like Abuja?

Yes, I agree. We have the challenges of land allocation and it is big headache to most proprietors. The land we have our schools on are bought from third parties at huge sums of money. To get a plot of land for a school project is Herculean and I believe government alone cannot handle education. It takes the efforts of both the private and public partnership. I believe that government should give land to serious schools. Already, we planned a university, got some bank approvals for financing, and even the backing of an institution based in the United States but we have not got a parcel of land to execute the project. Having a university is big business that would provide more employment to people in that community and improve the educational attainment of students but we are facing difficulties in getting land for the project. That was why I suggested the establishment of educational banks to help schools in achieving goals. Aside land allocation; there is the issue of implementing government policies that change regularly. Today it is 6-3-3-4 system, tomorrow, the system changes. Luckily, we have enjoyed a stable government policy since the inception of the Yar'Adua government. But beyond these challenges, we are progressing and helping in child development. An average child in any good school in Nigeria can match up with their contemporary abroad. Nigerians are the best students in the world because we have the name, the methods and the materials. Nigerian school curriculum is one of the best in the world. It is very detailed in all subjects. All we need now is providing a serene environment for teachers to ensure a good delivery and execution. When these are in place you have a perfect child with perfect result. One of the banes of educational development is a good environment. One that is peaceful, where children will be willing to learn. An enjoyable environment with happy teachers

What is your take on the reversal of the privatisation of the unity schools?

It was a wise decision that it was reversed. Everything must not be given out to private hands and certain values should be in the government confines. Unity schools are for all Nigerians and to provide a unifying environment for children of different tribes and races. What happens to the unity when it gets into private hands? It was a good decision.

On a close observation, it seems the reading culture is dead in some students?

Yes, but good teachers imbibe it. When we started the college, we observed some children prefer the use of cell phones, games and computers to reading. So, we banned all these and encouraged the use of the library. Information technology is good but it can't be compared to the art of reading which exposes your mind to the outside world and great minds. Students should be encouraged to have access to educational materials. With that, the child is focused and I know that the Nigerian child, given adequate supervision and control, turns out well. Schools should introduce the intensive use of the library and structure students' time.

But most parents seemed to have shifted parental care to teachers and the school system?

Education is a partnership thing. It involves the parents, teachers, towns and communities. Parents alone can't train children! One day, I saw some students of a public school around 9.00am and littering about, I asked them questions and when I discovered that their answer was flimsy, I wanted to beat them! That is what every adult should do. Everyone is involved in child-training. Imagine if that is done by everyone in the society. Parenting is not for mothers alone. Fathers can't just pay fees, provide money and think that is the end of responsibilities. Endeavour to take your children to school. Keep an eye on their work and they will perform better. Help mothers with school runs and when your children know that you will come for them after school, they behave well. It boosts their morale. Don't allow drivers do everything about your children's school. If you must have a good set-up, then our fathers must learn to take responsibilities. We give awards and stickers to fathers who bring children to schools.

Source: punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2008100513242934