School-Feeding Program: OGM News– In a recent press release, President Tinubu has called upon governors across the nation to collaboratively devise a comprehensive framework to elevate the School-Feeding Program‘s efficiency. Emphasizing the importance of considering local peculiarities, the President aims for a unified effort to bring all children into the educational system. He highlighted the issue of school-age children being out of school, stressing the need for governors, including those from the opposition, to actively participate in the school-feeding initiative.
President Tinubu urged a shift in perspective, moving away from merely counting children as statistics and instead focusing on their return to classrooms as a noteworthy achievement. He advocated for a committee to be established to scrutinize existing methods, expressing his commitment to invest in the school-feeding initiative. This shift in approach aims to align educational success with economic growth and empowerment.
President’s Vision for Agricultural Boost through School-Feeding Program
The President further underscored the potential of the School-Feeding Program in stimulating investments in agriculture, particularly in livestock farming and dairy. Citing the groundwork laid by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, former Kano State Governor and APC Chairman, President Tinubu revealed that a proposal would be circulated for input and subsequent implementation. This move aligns with the broader objective of fostering economic growth and sustainability through educational initiatives.
Acknowledging the efforts of Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, President Tinubu commended the restoration of irrigation systems. These systems play a pivotal role in ensuring year-long cultivation of crops, contributing significantly to food security. The President’s endorsement of such agricultural advancements signifies a holistic approach, where education and agricultural development are interconnected for the nation’s overall progress. This strategic alignment not only supports the school-feeding program but also underscores its potential to spur advancements in vital sectors like agriculture. . The Genesis and Goals of the Home Grown School-Feeding Program (HGSFP)
In 2016, the Federal Government of Nigeria initiated the Home Grown School Feeding program (HGSFP) across 22 states in a bid to enhance education, nutrition, and local economies. This social protection endeavor aimed to increase school enrollment, uplift the nutritional and health standards of primary school children, augment farmers’ income, and empower women. The laudable objectives included keeping out-of-school children in classrooms and fostering economic opportunities for local farmers and caterers.
Regrettably, the program encountered substantial challenges as it unfolded. Allegations of large-scale corruption, irregularities, politicization, poor quality control, and a lack of transparency and accountability emerged. In states like Oyo, Edo, and Kaduna, some established food vendors were sidelined, causing discontent. The selection process for food vendors faced controversies, with loyalty to political parties overshadowing competence, exacerbating the program’s effectiveness.
Challenges and Controversies: Corruption, Payment Delays, and Quality Concerns
The HGSFP faced a myriad of hurdles, including delayed payments to vendors, disrupting the timely provision of quality and quantity of food to pupils. While the federal government claimed to provide substantial amounts of meat, fish, and poultry, concerns arose among teachers, parents, and pupils about the actual size and quality of the meals. Allegations of corruption among vendors, political leaders, and state officials surfaced, impacting the overall success of the program.
Nutrition experts across the country voiced dissatisfaction with the procurement of substandard food commodities, linking this to corruption within the program. The repercussions of these challenges were evident in the program’s outputs, raising questions about its ability to meet its lofty goals.
A Potential Turnaround: President Bola Tinubu’s Approach
President Bola Tinubu‘s proposed approach to restructure the HGSFP by giving ownership to governors and overhauling the implementation process could present a transformative solution. By devolving control to state leaders, the program may experience enhanced efficiency and reduced politicization, fostering a more competitive and competent selection process for food vendors. This shift aims to address the root causes of corruption and irregularities, potentially revitalizing the HGSFP to achieve its original goals.
As stakeholders await the implementation of this new strategy, the success of President Tinubu’s approach hinges on effective execution, transparency, and commitment to accountability. If successfully executed, this restructured model may pave the way for a more impactful Home Grown School-Feeding Program, aligning with its intended purpose of advancing education, nutrition, and local economies across Nigeria.
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