Adebayo Adenrele
The Brain Wealth Project (BWP) Utvecklingsbolag in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and Association for formidable Educational Development (AFED), Ekiti State Chapter, have put all mechanisms in place to launch a $502bn Education Reform Initiative and host a two-day sub-national workshop for private school owners and public school administrators in Ekiti, in a bid to transform the educational sector of the country.
The workshop themed “STRAK BA193: Innovations for globally competitive functional education that equips Nigerian Children and Youths Passing through school with appreciation for shared values and industrial capabilities for real life productivity” aims to build a new generation of school leaders capable of driving education that empowers Nigerian pupils and students with real-life skills, industrial capabilities and shared values for national prosperity.
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti via a virtual call, Captain-General of BWP, Professor Clerk Brandon described the workshop as part of a broader initiative known as the Strategic Knowledge-Based Advancement Program, which is a $502 billion for a 25-year national program dedicated to building a knowledge-driven, industrially capable citizenry.
According to him, the Initiative is focused on basic and applied research to create practical solutions to Nigeria’s key development challenges, spanning 23 identified areas of national need including supportive school administration, functional education and industrial innovation.
Professor Brandon affirmed that the initiative represents a long-term commitment to building a comprehensive value chain in education in order to connect research, industry and innovation to real economic growth.
He noted that the workshop, which will be held on 30th and 31st October, 2025 at GIM Event Centre, Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, Ado-Ekiti, will also bring together scholars and experts such as Permanent Secretary of Ekiti State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Omolayo Michael, Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), Prof. Olufemi Adeoluwa.
Others are Dean, Management Science Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU), Prof. Clement Olaoye, Director, Education Support Services & International Partnerships of NCCE, Badmus Razaq and Ekiti State Controller of Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), Samson Ibitoye.
His words, “The Strategic Knowledge-Based Advancement Program is a $502 billion initiative designed to run for 25 years. It is focused on basic and applied research aimed at creating solutions for the various areas of need identified by the program.
“At the national level, the Federal Government will provide counterpart funding to the states and similar support will be extended to school associations as their state-level equivalents.
“Already, the program has subsidized registration fees for members of AFPED in Ekiti State who will participate in this upcoming workshop.
“This is not about teaching for exams, it is about building a knowledge system that translates talent and intellect into modern goods, services and infrastructure thereby moving our country from poverty to prosperity.
“The Strategic Knowledge-Based Advancement Program is a 25-year journey. It’s about equipping Nigerian children and youths with the mindset, values and capabilities to sustain a modern, productive and prosperous nation”.
Speaking on the significance of the upcoming workshop, Ekiti State Controller of AFED, Samson Ibitoye stated that the 2-Day Special Sub-National Workshop offers a unique opportunity for school owners and administrators in Ekiti to gain direct access to global education reform tools and innovations designed to elevate teaching and learning outcomes.
Ibitoye highlighted that participants would enjoy opportunities for teacher recognition and capacity development as well as eligibility for national and state-level award schemes aimed at celebrating excellence in education delivery.
The State Cordinator added that the event will provide extensive networking opportunities with education leaders, government representatives and international development partners working in the sector..
He encouraged school proprietors to attend with their Head of School, Administrative Lead and Academic Coordinator, noting that participating as a team ensures the strategies learned are effectively implemented within each school system.
