Olatokunbo Iyiola Edun: Why Parents Must Take Responsibilities for Their Children’s Education 

 
Mrs. Olatokunbo Iyiola Edun, Executive Director of Grace Schools in Gbagada, Lagos, in this interview with MARY NNAH, emphasises the critical role parents play in their children’s educational journey. With over 14 years of experience in managing one of Nigeria’s esteemed private schools, Mrs. Edun shares her expertise on the state of education in Nigeria, highlighting the need for parents to take their responsibilities seriously and be actively involved in their children’s learning. She discusses the challenges facing the education sector, the importance of parental involvement, and the need for a collaborative approach to ensure the success of Nigerian children.
 
 
 
 
How can You describe your experience as an educationist?
 
I have had several experiences since I have been directly involved since 1981 after my Masters degree in the UK. Even when I was at the Queens College, Lagos, I have always been involved in learning the rudiments.I later started as a Nursery Assistant and I taught  Grades 2, 3 and 6. I later became the Headmistress. It was several years later that  I became the Administrator.
One thing is that children come up with different tales and they share stories of what transpired in their families in school.This is one reason parents need to be mindful of their actions as the children are good observers.
 
I have had several experiences with parents and their character.However, I have learnt not to have issues with them. I tried all within my being never to react negatively to them .Some parents behave in ways that are not appropriate but one needs to tolerate them.
It is surprising that parents have abdicated their responsibilities to schools which are not proper. Some parents do not monitor their children and as a result, they are unable to provide proper guidance for the children.
 
The truth is that the parents of the early 80’s are far better than the Millennium parents. They were far more on ground seeking information on the progress of their children.
It is unfortunate that today, children now control parents which is very wrong..Some parents overreact based on the information provided by their children without cross checking with the school..
It has become important for parents to create more time for their children..Children are addicted to the screen -phones, tablets, TV and other gadgets.Parents need to discipline their children the more .Parental discipline is required to help today’s children have adequate focus on their education.
 
 
What are the critical Success Factors to Manage  Business Enterprise?
 
It is important for one to enjoy what she is doing .I am so passionate about managing the school and I love the children so much..This makes me give my best to ensure the high standard.
One should also be focused to achieve concrete things and have hands on the operations of the organization.
A major way for me is to manage my temperament with the parents. Every leader should be able to manage the clients well and avoid clashes.It is also important to maintain relationships and not engage in controversies .
 
Leaders should also lead people in an exemplary way.Leaders should be able to correct errors without damage to the emotional well -being of the staff.These are some salient things that help me in managing the staff.
 
In my own case, I learnt the basics of School administration from my mother. My doggedness has paid off over the years .One should also persevere amidst the challenges and never quit but be hopeful .
I have a strong determination and am open to ideas and innovation. I have also attended several seminars and courses on education globally.I have also had the privilege to visit several countries In Finland, Singapore ,China etc .
 
 
What is your own opinion about investment in school business as school owners complain ?
 
The investment in school business is very huge and we do this on a consistent basis. Most people think only about the money being made but the investment is not what people see as one needs to maintain quality standard.We pay so much bills for electricity, diesel and others.
During the COVID-19 period, we invested millions of naira to sustain our ICT based learning that had started before then.
We developed ICT Infrastructure  and communication devices to monitor each classroom online.
I personally supervised and monitored the classrooms for the period of 9 months..This  was a huge investment on our part .When we resumed , we brought in some materials from overseas in order to prevent students. from being infected  with the virus.Some  other facilities were purchased to control.infection and others.
With the economic situation in the country, schools have to improve their Infrastructure and facilities.For.instance, we just built an ultra modern school Hall which cost us millions.We have also built another block of classrooms.. These are projects that cost us a huge amount of money. School owners should seek to improve on their service delivery and not focus on the revenue alone.
 
 
 
Given the Challenges women face, what advice can you givethem ?
 
A woman is still being treated as a second-class citizen in our society.
 
I  am proud of my late father,Olorunmo Osinowo.He ensured that I had the best education as a girl child.The girl child deserves to be educated and not treated as an interior human being.. Something still needs to be done to help the girl child on a larger scale in this country.
 
It is a wrong perception that women can never rise unless they are influenced by men. Women should not rele- gate themselves but they should rise to the occasion to showcase their competencies and capabilities.
I urge women to be diligent and enjoy what they do..They should become more passionate in their pursuits and utilise every leadership opportunity well.
Women are better managers and as a result, they should see themselves as such. I look forward to seeing a woman become the President of this country.
 
I further urge women to have the can do spirit and persevere in life..They should not have low self-esteem but develop themselves .Women should prepare ahead to occupy key positions and remain focused in life.
 
 
What do you think the government can do to support school owners ?
 
The government should provide subventions to private schools. Overseas, some governments support private schools due  to the cost of providing qualitative education. In Nigeria, we provide our own pipe borne water, we make huge investments on solar energy as the electricity supply is not stable.We spend so much to purchase diesel and petrol to fuel the generating sets as well.We have over the years provided Infrastructural facilities that the government should provide for us.
 
 
What is the way forward for education in Nigeria ?
 
It is important for the government to acknowledge the efforts of the private schools.Government  should provide Infrastructural  back up to schools.The government should revamp public schools to ensure quality standards.
The issue of multiple taxation is what the government should look into.We pay taxes, licenses and fees across all levels. The multiple taxation affects private education in Nigeria. Government should support private educators as we provide qualitative learning in the country.