Hon. Lanre Okunlola Advocates for More Colleges of Education, Calls for Stronger Funding in Education Sector
By Comfort Chukwukelue
ABUJA – As Nigeria marks two years since the last general elections, Hon. Lanre Okunlola, the member representing Surulere Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has reiterated his commitment to improving the country’s education system. Speaking in an exclusive interview, he emphasized the need for more colleges of education across the nation, citing Nigeria’s growing population and the urgent demand for well-trained teachers.
Hon. Okunlola described education as the bedrock of any society, stressing that the nation must move beyond limitations in establishing institutions of learning. He argued that with over 200 million people, Nigeria should have colleges of education in every local government area to enhance educational integration.
“The idea of being enough or not being enough is not in play. For my vision, I believe that colleges of education should be situated in every local government of Nigeria because of our population. We need research-driven educational centers that will prepare teachers for the challenges of the 21st century, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence and other technological advancements,” he said.
A Unique Perspective on Education
When asked what sets his vision apart from other proposals for educational institutions, Hon. Okunlola highlighted the diversity of his constituency.
“My constituency is like a mini Nigeria, housing people from all regions of the country. It provides a perfect case study for research on educational integration. We must also recognize the role of informal sectors such as trade and commerce in education, ensuring that learning environments reflect the realities of our communities,” he explained.
He dismissed the notion that there should be only one college of education per state, advocating instead for institutions to be established based on population density and need. He cited his constituency, which has over five million residents, as a prime example of a community requiring multiple educational institutions.
Addressing concerns about educational standards and funding, Hon. Okunlola acknowledged that education is expensive globally and requires sustained financial investment.
“Education is not cheap anywhere in the world. We must stop deceiving ourselves. It requires a lot of funding and interventions. The only way to improve standards while expanding institutions is through a strong public-private partnership. The private sector must be engaged to support educational development, ensuring sustainability,” he stated.
He called for a national conversation on education funding, emphasizing that the future of Nigeria’s youth depends on adequate investment in the sector.
Speaking on his broader vision for Nigeria, Hon. Okunlola stressed the importance of policy development in driving national progress. He aligned his ideas with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing optimism that with the right policies and execution, Nigeria could move to the next level of development.
“We must focus on how to advance as a country. If we align our efforts with the Renewed Hope Agenda, great things will happen, and citizens will begin to experience real progress. The ultimate goal is for the poor to breathe and for Nigeria to thrive,” he concluded.
Hon. Okunlola’s remarks underscore the need for strategic planning in Nigeria’s education sector, ensuring that expansion goes hand in hand with quality and sustainability.
