2015 MDGs Deadline: FME strategies to bridge the gap

As the 2015 target year for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) draws closer, the Federal Ministry of Education has devised ways to efficiently and effectively implement MDGs projects and programmes. To this end, a five-day workshop is being organised for MDG Desk Officers in the Education sector, on the use of Education Policy and Strategic Simulation Implementation Model (EPSSIM)

Speaking at the opening ceremony held on Monday in Abuja, the Director of Educational Planning, Research and Development, Mrs. Elizabeth Omotowa said that the workshop would enable participants to acquire relevant knowledge to use the model to utilize baseline data on MDG projects and programmes for proper budgeting and utilization, to achieve the desired goal.

“This workshop is strategic and timely because Nigeria is in dire need of credible data for effective planning and projection, especially now that the deadline of MDGs is almost here and to prepare for post MDGs.”

The Director, represented by the Deputy Director, Information and Documentation, Mrs Irene Mbanefo, charged participants to use the data generated to determine the overall level of achievement on investment, and what may be required to achieve MDGs indicators by 2015, as well as the level, composition and sequence of MDGs spending and determine funding gaps, with strategy to bridge the gap.

“The success recorded at this workshop would enable the Ministry to establish an information system for planning, based on needed resources to achieve MDGs by 2015 and at the same time create an enabling environment for local participation, ownership and leadership,” she said.

Welcoming participants, the Deputy Director and MDGs Coordinator in the Ministry, Mrs. Rhoda Oyeimadu said that the workshop is a continuation of the one held last year. She said that the workshop would enable participants to practicalize the learning experience gained at the maiden workshop on EPSSIM.

She disclosed that the training will be scaled up to states and local governments in order to strengthen local capacities.

In a goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr. Precious Gbeneol, thanked the Ministry for its commitment to meeting the objectives of MDGs.

Dr. Gbeneol represented by Israel Egekwu, said that her office would continue to support the Ministry’s effort to achieve the education related Millennium Development Goals.