An old adage says, "If you want peace, prepare for war." Applied to the Ministry of Education, it raises a question: can firm action restore calm and order in a troubled system? For Dr Donatus Chukwuma Ilang, the answer is yes.
Dr Ilang is a full-time academic whose leadership has helped restore peace in communities that previously experienced conflict. His record of mediation and steady decision making reflects the qualities he brings to the education sector.
His core values, he says, are straightforward:
integrity
measured responses rather than provocation
passion combined with patience
resilience in the face of challenge
Actions, he believes, speak louder than words. Drawing on his Christian faith, Dr Ilang began with a platform of peace. He engaged education stakeholders across the state’s three senatorial zones to develop practical solutions to long-standing problems. He also used television and radio appearances to explain and publicise the reforms, while giving the media space to carry stakeholder views.
Describing him as a workaholic would not be an exaggeration. He works round the clock to safeguard pupils and improve standards. The ministry is now moving beyond consultation to enforcement, and further regulatory action is expected.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs Mary Ngozi Otozi, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Secondary Education, Hon Peter Nwogbaga, are aligned with the governor’s vision and support the reforms.
The ministry’s message to proprietors of substandard or unapproved schools is clear. Do not reopen or attempt to operate illegally. The government will sustain these reforms and will not tolerate regression.
Education is a collective responsibility. Those who flout regulations will face appropriate sanctions as the state seeks to protect pupils and uphold standards.
Post a Comment