The importance of foundational education to national development has come into focus as MD School, Oko-Oba, Lagos, prepares to celebrate 40 years of providing educational services.
MD School celebrates 40 years
The school, described as the first private co-educational inclusive school in Lagos State, called for greater attention to early childhood learning during a press briefing held during the week to announce activities marking its 40th anniversary.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of the school, Mrs. Omolara Adedugbe, emphasised that the quality of foundational learning plays a critical role in determining the overall standard of a country’s education system.
According to her, early childhood education provides the basis upon which children’s subsequent academic development and future success are built.
She therefore urged governments at all levels to give greater attention to foundational education, noting that private schools have historically played a significant role in providing learning opportunities at this stage.
Adedugbe argued that private school operators deserve encouragement and support from the government to enable them to continue contributing to the development of the country’s education sector.
She called for the removal of constraints affecting private school operations, particularly multiple taxes and levies imposed by local, state and federal authorities.
“There are too many taxes, and this is making it difficult for private schools to operate,” she said.
The MD School Executive Director maintained that education should not be treated like conventional businesses whose primary objective is profit-making, stressing that its wider contribution to society should inform government policies towards the sector.
She urged the government to recognise the role of private schools in improving educational standards and create an environment that would enable them to deliver quality learning.
According to her, reducing the financial and regulatory pressures on private school operators would help them sustain their contributions to foundational education.
Speaking on the significance of the anniversary, Mr. Steve Akadiri, a member of the school’s Governing Council and chairman of the Anniversary Media Committee, said the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s journey and appreciate those who have contributed to its development.
He explained that the celebration was not merely about marking the passage of 40 years but also about recognising the sacrifices, commitment and support that had sustained the school over the decades.
“It allows us to look back with gratitude at our humble beginnings, appreciate the sacrifices of our founders and acknowledge the dedication and commitment of those who have contributed to the growth of the institution,” Akadiri said.
He added that the anniversary would provide an opportunity for the school community to express appreciation to individuals and stakeholders who had been part of its development.
The celebration is expected to bring together members of the school community, including past students, parents and other stakeholders who have contributed to the institution’s growth.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Chris Dike, disclosed that activities marking the anniversary commenced in September with a special thanksgiving programme involving pupils and parents.
He said the pupils participated actively in the thanksgiving, while parents also joined the celebration online.
According to Dike, the anniversary programme has extended beyond activities within the school to include initiatives aimed at supporting members of the surrounding communities.
He disclosed that the school had organised medical and food outreach programmes for people in its immediate environment as part of activities marking the milestone.
He said the initiatives reflected the school’s desire to recognise the role of its host community and give back as it celebrates four decades of operation.
He added that the anniversary would reach its climax at the end of the month with an awards programme involving past students, parents and other stakeholders.
As MD School marks four decades of existence, the anniversary has also provided an opportunity to renew conversations about the place of early childhood education in Nigeria’s education system.
The emphasis on foundational learning highlights the importance of giving children a strong educational start, while the concerns raised by the school’s management draw attention to the operational challenges facing private education providers.
For the school, the milestone represents both an opportunity to celebrate its history and a moment to reflect on the support required to sustain quality education.
With thanksgiving, community outreach and an awards programme forming part of the celebrations, MD School’s 40th anniversary is set to recognise its past while renewing attention to the role of foundational education in shaping children’s futures.
