Natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the umbrella of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO), have called on the newly elected chairmen of the six Area Councils to collaborate with the FCT Administration and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to establish an FCT Education Trust Fund (FCT-ETF) through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
The group said the proposed fund would provide a sustainable financing mechanism for addressing longstanding challenges in the education sector and improving learning outcomes across the territory.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, AOIYEO Executive Director, Commandant Isaac David, said schools across the six Area Councils continue to grapple with poor infrastructure, inadequate learning materials, shortage of qualified teachers and limited access to digital learning facilities.
According to him, the growing demands of the education sector have outpaced available government resources, making it necessary to seek alternative funding sources through partnerships with the private sector and development organisations.
“AOIYEO calls on our newly elected chairmen to take the bold step of partnering with the FCT Administration and working closely with the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to establish an FCT Education Trust Fund,” David said.
He explained that the proposed trust fund would serve as a dedicated platform for mobilising resources to transform education across the FCT.
David noted that the fund could support the rehabilitation and construction of modern classrooms, laboratories and other critical educational infrastructure, while also providing resources for the training and retraining of teachers.
“The trust fund will support the rehabilitation and construction of modern classrooms and laboratories, while also providing resources for the training and retraining of teachers to meet contemporary educational standards,” he stated.
He further said the initiative would provide scholarships for indigent but academically outstanding students and facilitate the provision of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities, libraries and other educational materials in schools.
According to him, the trust fund would also strengthen technical and vocational education programmes, equipping young people with practical skills needed for employment and entrepreneurship.
David argued that expanding technical and vocational education would play a key role in addressing youth unemployment and promoting economic empowerment across the FCT’s 858 communities.
He stressed that a joint commitment by the Area Council chairmen and the FCT Administration would enhance the territory’s ability to attract investments and support from private sector organisations, international development agencies and philanthropic individuals.
“If the Area Council chairmen and the FCT Minister can jointly champion this initiative, we can mobilise funds from the private sector, international donors and public-spirited individuals who are willing to invest in the future of FCT children,” he said.
The AOIYEO executive director expressed confidence that the proposal would yield tangible results if implemented, citing Minister Wike’s ongoing infrastructure development efforts and the grassroots reach of the Area Council chairmen.
“With Minister Wike’s track record on infrastructure and the Area Council chairmen’s closeness to grassroots needs, this Public-Private Partnership policy can deliver fast and visible results,” David added.
Describing education as the foundation of sustainable development, David said the proposed FCT Education Trust Fund would create a lasting impact on future generations.
“Education is the foundation of any thriving society. An FCT Education Trust Fund is not just a policy; it is a legacy,” he said.
He urged the newly-elected Area Council chairmen to embrace the initiative and work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation for the benefit of children and young people across the Federal Capital Territory.
The call comes amid increasing concerns over infrastructure deficits and funding gaps in the education sector, with stakeholders advocating innovative financing models to complement government spending and improve access to quality education across the country.
