EDUCATION MEETS POLITICS. (2)

Peter Obi Comes First in JESAC Education Manifesto Assessment.

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JESAC conducted an empirical assessment of the education reform agenda of four presidential candidates for 2023 General Elections: Bola Tinubu, Presidential Candidate for APC; Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate for PDP; Peter Obi Presidential Candidate for Labour Party; and Rabiu Kwankwaso, Presidential Candidate for NNPP based on 10 factors.

1. The content of their manifestos in terms of the extent to which the content meets the requirements for transforming education;
2. The capacity of the candidate to implement the plan in terms of mental ability, physical energy, health status, qualification, training and skills;
3. The character of the candidate in terms of honestly and reliably delivering on his promise after election.
4. Inspirational Visionary Leadership to inspire respect, followership and buy-in of critical education stakeholders including Teachers, Lecturers, Students, Education Leaders, Professionals.
5. Level of Corruption Scandals and the burden of guilty conscience and fear of blackmail.
6. The Presidential Halo Effect on work force that flows from character, capacity, integrity, morals, family and educational history, past behavior and scandals related to corrupt business practices.
7. Commitment to Full Academic Freedom
8. Commitment to Safe Schools
9. Level of creativity in new educational funding plans.
10. JESAC School Head Employability Test Score

Each factor attracts a maximum score of 10 points, making a total of 100 points for the 10 factors. The presentations of the Candidates at town hall events, unrestricted media interviews, local and international lectures and campaign rallies in addition to the manifestos. The scores are as follows.

Obi:  88 points.
Kwankwaso:  63 points.
Atiku:  44 points.
Tinubu:  32 points.

CONCLUSION
Education Stakeholders in Nigeria including workers in public and private pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions, proprietors, administrators, parents, students, teachers, lecturers, and members of staff unions and professional and alumni associations are in agreement that Peter Obi of Labour Party has the highest potential for transforming the education sector.

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By Ike Onyechere, MFR.

Convener, Joint Education Stakeholders Action Coalition.