The education sector in Nigeria today is one of the most shortchanged sector in our nation. The sector got 1.54 Trillion Naita, representing 6.39% of total budget of Tinubu’s renewed hope national budget for the current year 2024; in a sharp shortfall of the UNESCO stipulated between 15% - 25% as agreed at the Paris declaration, which Nigeria is a signatory to.

The need for government at all levels to make education affordable to every citizen is to say the least duty of the state. The cost of education and transportation has skyrocketed, making it difficult for ordinary Nigerians to access quality education, thereby increasing the menace of out of school children in Nigeria.

In a very privileged meeting, COUNTDOWN’s Hadassah Omoniyepe had a quite educating and inspiring interview with the Founder/Proprietress of TABITHA’S KIDS Early Years Centre based in Abuja, it is a must read for all parents, especially the new ones. She answered knutty questions that often constitute obstacles to kids handlers on issues of choice of School, curriculum and grooming.

Countdown: What brought about the school? 

Mrs. Ikya: I have always been an educator, worked as a classroom teacher, rose to the position of headteacher, consulted for schools and worked on education projects. This was a journey of over 15 years. Despite the push from people to open a school, I wasn't convinced God had prepared me for that path. Not until 2021 when I felt the conviction, I prayed about it and the message I got was "it's time" so we started the journey to building this prestigious school.

Countdown: What are the dreams and aspirations of the school? 

Mrs. Ikya: To be the preferred institution for learning, providing children with excellent learning opportunities within an enabling environment. We recently started our primary 1. Our dream is to grow to a full school that continues to provide excellent education to children. 

Countdown: What curriculum are you using in your School?

Mrs. Ikya: Our early years classes and learning sessions are based on the Early years foundation framework which is British. It provides children with deep learning experiences that are hands on. Our Primary class curricular is an infusion of the British and Nigerian. They both offer children deep and exceptional learning foundations. We can't take away the setting where our children live and so, they must make learning connections to their immediate environment. However, we must also note that the world is advancing and our children must be at par with their peers around the world. These factors informed the decision on the choice of curricular. 

Countdown: What in your opinion should parents look for in choosing a school, bearing in mind the astronomic cost of private alternatives in Nigeria today?

Mrs. Ikya: Factors parents should consider include pricing, is it within your budget? What is the quality of education and care within that institution? Education also includes quality of values given to the child. Setting: is the environment appropriate and conducive for your child's learning needs, quality of teachers: do they speak well? Are they qualified to work with children. These are a few amongst other factors to consider. 

Countdown: Another concern we noticed over time is the issue of entry age of pupils, many parents tend to enroll their wards ahead of required age. Can you please tell us, at what age should a child be in what grade/class etc?

Mrs. Ikya: The age entry is a major debate. But the first thing I would like to say is, parents need to be more open about this. At our school we are very strict on age for our classes. Why should a 2-year-old be in nursery 1 or 2? I hear parents say the child communicates confidently. That's not all that matters. I have had parents walk away from our admission process because we won't let their child jump classes. Parents need to understand this age guide has been tested and we have data to show how children struggle when they are placed in classes ahead of their ages. 

Countdown: In a related circumstance, the Federal Government recently tried to or is in the process of baring under 18 years of age students from gaining admission into Nigerian Universities - what is your take on this?

Mrs. Ikya: As an educator, I have had the privilege of working with children up to secondary classes and I have also been able to sit in al ot of interviews and employed people. I must say the impact a lot of times isn't seen in school because a lot of them are able to attain high grades. The impact is largely seen when we push them into the work force and world of adulthood. You begin to see the individual struggles of these young adults who have been pushed into a world that they aren't mentally prepared for. Learning isn't so much about Math and English skills, but also the Social skills and psychological skills which children must go through at each age milestone. However, a lot of them are rushed through school and may never have the chance to develop the skills. At the end of the day, the children are the ones who suffer not the parents who have rushed the children. A 19-year-old should still be in school and not be a graduate. 20 years ago, a lot of students turned 19 in their first year in university. 

Countdown: Parental care and Teacher’s input in raising children - what should be the balance for achieving best results in ensuring a morally confident society?

Mrs. Ikya: The balance should be working in partnership. This is one of the cores of our school. We work in partnership with parents. Ensuring parents see what the school is trying to achieve. Ensuring parents get the support they need at the home front which also translates to the work the teachers get to do. Educators must always work in partnership with parents. 

Countdown:  On a lighter mood - can we meet you - early life, conviction in life and hobbies?

Mrs. Ikya: My name is Dorcas Ikya. My parents Nuhu and Yankannem Musa raised us in a home that was built on Christ, ensuring the values and principles of the Bible were all that their lives portrayed. This has certainly been the map for my living in an adult world today. It's amazing that my father was a teacher before he joined the Police Force, my mum was a Sunday School Teacher also. I come from a family of 6. I first love to call myself a teacher, which I believe has been a calling. I love to read. That is one hobby my dad passed to every one of us. He always had something to read. We have all sort of become bookworms. It's such a hobby that buying books is a way of life. I bought books even when I couldn’t read them. Listening to music is something I also enjoy. I can listen to music and not care much about Television a lot of times. My conviction and ambition in life is living a life that is pleasing to God!

By:Hadassah Omoniyepe