In its inaugural year, the 10th National Assembly considered a total of 1,175 bills, with education bills comprising 27 percent – 318 bills – dedicated to shaping the future of the sector in the nation.
Education serves as the bedrock of society, laying the groundwork for rapid development and influencing the social, economic, and political landscape.
In the first year of the 10th assembly, education bills accounted for 27 percent of the total number of bills considered by the green chamber.
Notably, a staggering 77.4 percent of these education bills focus on the establishment of new institutions. However, this raises critical questions as to whether creating new institutions is the most effective solution at this juncture, especially as many existing tertiary institutions are currently faced with pressing challenges such as inadequate funding and poor infrastructure.
Some other bills introduced in the house include the free universal basic education, tertiary education trust fund, institute of entrepreneur training, as well as the gifted and talented children centre, bills.
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The past year has witnessed surface efforts aimed at addressing systemic challenges within the education sector, reflecting a seeming lack of commitment to reforming policies to enhance access, quality, and equity across all educational levels. Yet, it is crucial that these superficial proposals are not only introduced but also followed through with tangible investments in education.
Quality education is vital for equipping individuals with essential skills that drive economic growth and foster innovation in the workforce.
Therefore, substantial investment in robust education systems is imperative for sustainable national development, preparing individuals to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world while contributing to overall societal well-being.
10th NASS Report Card: Read up on the performance of other senators and members of house and other specialized categories here