The Nation Newspaper

Tag: schools

  • Enugu power firm donates books, computers to schools

    The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), in partnership with Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), a non-governmental organisation, has donated books and computers worth millions of dollars to 15 tertiary institutions and 30 secondary schools across the Southeast states.

    The power distribution firm made the donation at Oraifite, Anambra State.

    The benefiting schools were made up of 3 tertiary institutions and 6 secondary schools from each of the states, and were nominated by their respective state governments.

    In his welcome address, the Coordinator, SEOF, Hon. Tony Obi, commended the effort of EEDC in partnering the Foundation to drive its objective towards the development of the education sector, which the Foundation has been involved in across the country over the years.

    He said that the gesture by EEDC is worthwhile to the society and for posterity.

    Obi stressed that the books and other educational materials that were donated must be used for the purpose it was meant for.

    He went on to charge the benefiting schools to ensure that their libraries are functional, as their monitoring team would be paying unscheduled visit to the schools to monitor and ascertain how well the books are being used.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, EEDC, Mr. Robert Dickerman while delivering his address said that the gesture is in line with EEDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy of contributing towards the development of its host community.

    “We know the importance of education, we have an obligation and responsibility to our communities, our business is not just to provide electricity, our job is to help and support the communities which we are a part of”, he explained.

    He went on to say that, “education is a part of the core of the development of any society; we are very honoured to be part of this donation and we committed to take active role in the education development of the 5 states in which we are community member”.

    Dickerman said that besides lighting up homes, companies and industries, we can also light up minds; “this, the company is doing through partnering Sir Emeka Offor Foundation. “

    “We believe that the things we are trying to do and the thoughts we have towards supporting social programmes under our CSR initiatives will be best served by partnering with such a foundation. They have international partners like Book For Africa (BFA) and many others; and we are comfortable partnering with them”.

    The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Okonkwo applauded EEDC and SEOF for the gesture which is a shining example of a CSR act, and welcomed by the state government.

    He said, “Government alone cannot accomplish all that is needed in the education sector, and it is usually a great relief when corporate establishments like EEDC come out to boil up the effort of the state government.”

    The governor stressed that the use of books cannot be over stressed, and that the donation of the books will go a long way in educating the students, as the more they read, the more they get education.

    He said that the books will form the stock in the different libraries of the different beneficiary institutions; and will encourage them to maintain functional libraries.

    Obiano also called on teachers and principals to endeavour to get the students develop the habit of reading as a lot of education which they need in life is locked up in these books.

    Speaking further, he said, “This is indeed a partnership for sustainable development between the private sector, our government and the education institutions”.

    He pledged the state government’s support, and encouraged EEDCnot to relent, because it is towards the development of the people, children and the country at large.

    Both students and teachers of the benefiting schools expressed their appreciation to EEDC and SEOF for this wonderful initiative and promised to make proper use of the books.

    EEDC committed that this is not going to be a one-time event, as this effort is part of the organisation’s ongoing responsibility, and hope to continue partnering Sir Emeka Offor Foundation towards the development of the Southeast.

     

  • Educationist seeks conducive atmosphere for low cost schools

    An educationist, Dr Gboyega Ilusanya, has urged governments to create an enabling environment for low cost private school providers. He said governments could do this by regulating the schools to enable their growth, facilitate access to finance and collect data that can help stakeholders make informed decisions.

    Ilusanya, who leads a team, Developing Effective Private Education Nigeria (DEEPEN), made the appeal at the 2016 Congress of the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), held at the National Arts Theatre, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, last week. Ilusanya spoke on the theme: ‘Socio-economic impact of low cost education in Nigeria: The need for more enabling environment.’

    He argued in favour of low cost school providers, saying they are also improving access to education, contributing positively to the economy through employment and improving on learning outcomes.

    He also advised low cost education providers to key into research, as the data incurred through this process will bring to light their influence and impact on the society.

    Ilusanya said: “It is essential that we open our doors for more meaningful research so that the impact of low cost private education can be unearthed while what is needed to be improved upon is also communicated.”

    The Director-General, Lagos State Quality Assurance, Mrs Ronke Soyombo, said Lagos State is always interested in partnering any low cost school, provided such school meets the recommended standard.

    “The government is passionate about infrastructure in its schools and is willing to embrace any good partner in progress if its meets its basic requirements,” Mrs Soyombo said.

    On his part, National patron of AFED,  Prof Pat Utomi said: “Education for all is desirable. If people are educated they can produce a way out of poverty for them. Take pride in what you are doing because it is a noble thing to do.”

    The association’s president, Mrs Esther Dada, said AFED is committed to reducing the number of out-of-school children. Dada advised its members to upgrade their technical skills so that public confidence in them can be emphasised.

    “I want to encourage members to brace up for the challenges ahead because of the enormous responsibilities and public expectation. We need to upgrade our technical skills regularly in order to meet our schools’ requirements,” she said

    High point of the event was presentations of cash and prizes to best pupils of member schools in unified examination. n educationist, Dr Gboyega Ilusanya, has urged governments to create an enabling environment for low cost private school providers. He said governments could do this by regulating the schools to enable their growth, facilitate access to finance and collect data that can help stakeholders make informed decisions.

    Ilusanya, who leads a team, Developing Effective Private Education Nigeria (DEEPEN), made the appeal at the 2016 Congress of the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), held at the National Arts Theatre, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, last week. Ilusanya spoke on the theme: ‘Socio-economic impact of low cost education in Nigeria: The need for more enabling environment.’

    He argued in favour of low cost school providers, saying they are also improving access to education, contributing positively to the economy through employment and improving on learning outcomes.

    He also advised low cost education providers to key into research, as the data incurred through this process will bring to light their influence and impact on the society.

    Ilusanya said: “It is essential that we open our doors for more meaningful research so that the impact of low cost private education can be unearthed while what is needed to be improved upon is also communicated.”

    The Director-General, Lagos State Quality Assurance, Mrs Ronke Soyombo, said Lagos State is always interested in partnering any low cost school, provided such school meets the recommended standard.

    “The government is passionate about infrastructure in its schools and is willing to embrace any good partner in progress if its meets its basic requirements,” Mrs Soyombo said.

    On his part, National patron of AFED,  Prof Pat Utomi said: “Education for all is desirable. If people are educated they can produce a way out of poverty for them. Take pride in what you are doing because it is a noble thing to do.”

    The association’s president, Mrs Esther Dada, said AFED is committed to reducing the number of out-of-school children. Dada advised its members to upgrade their technical skills so that public confidence in them can be emphasised.

    “I want to encourage members to brace up for the challenges ahead because of the enormous responsibilities and public expectation. We need to upgrade our technical skills regularly in order to meet our schools’ requirements,” she said

    High point of the event was presentations of cash and prizes to best pupils of member schools in unified examination.

  • Minister launches “Tablet Technology” in schools

    There was exciteme-nt when the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu launched “Tablet Technology in the Classrooms” at the Regent Primary School in Abuja.

    Many were quick to agree it was the beginning of a new phase of learning not only in the Federal Capital Territory, but the whole country.

    The Minister lauded the board of the Regent Primary School, saying it has taken a visionary financial step forward to ensure that young people are prepared for the technology of tomorrow.

    According to the Minister, the children will be able to play a leading role in the development of Nigeria as a leading global economy.

    “There is a need to remember that if we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow,” he said.

    Onu said the government has always been in support of growing a culture of developing science in Nigeria from a young age.

    According to the Minister, letting the children into science based training and the access to computers early in life will aid economic diversification especially into science related services.

    “Now we want to move to a knowledge-based economy that is innovation-based so that we can start talking of services, products. We can’t continue to have woods in our forests and we continue to bring in toothpicks. You know that is not right.

    “We can’t continue to be the sixth largest producer of crude oil in the world and yet we import petroleum products that again are not right. We can’t continue to produce cocoa and import chocolate that is not right.

    “So we require technology to add value to these natural resources. And who are the people that will do this for us, they are the children. And it is the determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to make sure that we diversify the economy.”

    The Minister ‘cut the ribbons’, went into the classrooms to speak to the children, watched what the pupils were doing and addressed them personally.

    Chiamaka Kalu – Uche, Public Relations Manager of Regent said the School has recently maximised the potential of tablet technology to facilitate pupil learning.

    “This was in line with the school’s strategy to incorporate new teaching styles which utilise information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance learning in a new and dynamic way.

    “The Regent Primary School has always aimed at furthering its acknowledged academic excellence by being the leader in the implementation of cutting edge technology for teaching and learning, whilst ensuring that the learning process remains enjoyable and fulfilling for every child.”

    Kalu-Uche said Research indicates that children who use computing technology have greater gains in structural knowledge, problem solving and language skills compared with those who do not use technology in their learning.

    She said Tablets will allow the pupils to access the school curriculum and educational content designed by teachers.

    “The introduction of tablets is the start of the school’s ICT strategic objective of having a 1:1 ratio of pupils to computing devices in the very near future. Through the use of approved apps, teachers can provide notes, display steps and processes to problems, initiate the display of media, and allow pupils to participate from their own seats in a variety of interactive activities.

    “It will also allow pupils to play video or audio lessons and take notes that are synchronized with the lessons. They can read books, view presentations and check homework off as it is completed,” she said.

    The principal of the school, Mr, Michael Dickson said the tablets have excited the students, the staff, but that it would not replace the human side of teaching in the school.

    “What are we planning to achieve with our tablets is to impact quality education in the students,” he said.

  • Enugu power firm donates books, computers to schools

    The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), in partnership with Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), a non-governmental organisation, has donated books and computers worth millions of dollars to 15 tertiary institutions and 30 secondary schools across the Southeast states.

    The power distribution firm made the donation at Oraifite, Anambra State.

    The benefiting schools were made up of 3 tertiary institutions and 6 secondary schools from each of the states, and were nominated by their respective state governments.

    In his welcome address, the Coordinator, SEOF, Hon. Tony Obi, commended the effort of EEDC in partnering the Foundation to drive its objective towards the development of the education sector, which the Foundation has been involved in across the country over the years.

    He said that the gesture by EEDC is worthwhile to the society and for posterity.

    Obi stressed that the books and other educational materials that were donated must be used for the purpose it was meant for.

    He went on to charge the benefiting schools to ensure that their libraries are functional, as their monitoring team would be paying unscheduled visit to the schools to monitor and ascertain how well the books are being used.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, EEDC, Mr. Robert Dickerman while delivering his address said that the gesture is in line with EEDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy of contributing towards the development of its host community.

    “We know the importance of education, we have an obligation and responsibility to our communities, our business is not just to provide electricity, our job is to help and support the communities which we are a part of”, he explained.

    He went on to say that, “education is a part of the core of the development of any society; we are very honoured to be part of this donation and we committed to take active role in the education development of the 5 states in which we are community member”.

    Dickerman said that besides lighting up homes, companies and industries, we can also light up minds; “this, the company is doing through partnering Sir Emeka Offor Foundation. “

    “We believe that the things we are trying to do and the thoughts we have towards supporting social programmes under our CSR initiatives will be best served by partnering with such a foundation. They have international partners like Book For Africa (BFA) and many others; and we are comfortable partnering with them”.

    The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Okonkwo applauded EEDC and SEOF for the gesture which is a shining example of a CSR act, and welcomed by the state government.

    He said, “Government alone cannot accomplish all that is needed in the education sector, and it is usually a great relief when corporate establishments like EEDC come out to boil up the effort of the state government.”

    The governor stressed that the use of books cannot be over stressed, and that the donation of the books will go a long way in educating the students, as the more they read, the more they get education.

    He said that the books will form the stock in the different libraries of the different beneficiary institutions; and will encourage them to maintain functional libraries.

    Obiano also called on teachers and principals to endeavour to get the students develop the habit of reading as a lot of education which they need in life is locked up in these books.

    Speaking further, he said, “This is indeed a partnership for sustainable development between the private sector, our government and the education institutions”.

    He pledged the state government’s support, and encouraged EEDCnot to relent, because it is towards the development of the people, children and the country at large.

    Both students and teachers of the benefiting schools expressed their appreciation to EEDC and SEOF for this wonderful initiative and promised to make proper use of the books.

    EEDC committed that this is not going to be a one-time event, as this effort is part of the organisation’s ongoing responsibility, and hope to continue partnering Sir Emeka Offor Foundation towards the development of the Southeast.

  • Schools stage ‘Ulysses Adventures’ to end session

    Schools stage ‘Ulysses Adventures’ to end session

    As part of activities to mark the end of academic session, SS Peter & Paul Creche, Nursery and Primary School, Ikate Elegushi, Lekki pupils brought on stage ‘Ulysses’ Adventures’, an ancient Greek poem.

    According  to the school management, the  commencement  of  2015/2016  school  year has seen  all  classes, led  by  their  teachers, engage  in  story  reading activity so as to  stimulate  children’s imagination, which the school considers a vivid talent that needs to be exercised and engaged.

    With excitement, the Primary Six Class  read  the  adaptation  of  Homer’s  poem  by Ms  Anna  Claybourne,  which espouses hero’s  courage,  humanity  and  cleverness.

    The school adopted a multi-disciplinary approach, including English, Art &Craft and Drama classes, which allowed  the children to harmonise Ulysses’ stories with their own talent and imagination. Most interestingly, pupils and  teachers  alike,  appreciated  a  poem  far  away  in  time  and  space; yet remain relevant and so  universally applicable for the feelings, the pleasure of discovery, as well as the risk of any life’s adventure

    Introducing the event earlier, Loving Gaze General Manager, Barbara Pepoli, said management has attempted to infuse curiosity as a quality to pupils.

    “Curiosity, courage and engagement will help you to travel in reality. This has been our school’s motto in 2015/2016,” Pepoli said.

    She explained that wonder  and curiosity  are  the  starting  point  for  any  learning  process, noting that courage  and  engagement  are  essential  to pursue  one’s personal  growth  path  and  widen  horizons.

    He continued: “Educating our pupils is at the core of our mission.  We  want  to  accompany  their  human  and  cultural  growth  through  the  discovery  of  each aspect  of  their  reality.  We want them to experience firsthand, through each educational activity, how positive reality is, because it is given.”

    SS Peter and Paul school is run by Loving  Gaze,  an  independent  not-for-profit  organisation,  with  25  years  of  experience  in  Nigeria.  The NGO serves  the unprivileged  community  in  Lagos  and  Taraba  States,  through  educational  activities,  basic  health  care  service,  women empowerment  and  vocational  training.  The body is run  by  a  multi-cultural  team  of  150  Nigerian  professionals,  Italian  expatriates  and international  volunteers.

  • Educationist seeks conducive atmosphere for low cost schools

    An educationist, Dr Gboyega Ilusanya, has urged governments to create an enabling environment for low cost private school providers. He said governments could do this by regulating the schools to enable their growth, facilitate access to finance and collect data that can help stakeholders make informed decisions.

    Ilusanya, who leads a team, Developing Effective Private Education Nigeria (DEEPEN), made the appeal at the 2016 Congress of the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), held at the National Arts Theatre, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, last week. Ilusanya spoke on the theme: ‘Socio-economic impact of low cost education in Nigeria: The need for more enabling environment.’

    He argued in favour of low cost school providers, saying they are also improving access to education, contributing positively to the economy through employment and improving on learning outcomes.

    He also advised low cost education providers to key into research, as the data incurred through this process will bring to light their influence and impact on the society.

    Ilusanya said: “It is essential that we open our doors for more meaningful research so that the impact of low cost private education can be unearthed while what is needed to be improved upon is also communicated.”

    The Director-General, Lagos State Quality Assurance, Mrs Ronke Soyombo, said Lagos State is always interested in partnering any low cost school, provided such school meets the recommended standard.

    “The government is passionate about infrastructure in its schools and is willing to embrace any good partner in progress if its meets its basic requirements,” Mrs Soyombo said.

    On his part, National patron of AFED,  Prof Pat Utomi said: “Education for all is desirable. If people are educated they can produce a way out of poverty for them. Take pride in what you are doing because it is a noble thing to do.”

    The association’s president, Mrs Esther Dada, said AFED is committed to reducing the number of out-of-school children. Dada advised its members to upgrade their technical skills so that public confidence in them can be emphasised.

    “I want to encourage members to brace up for the challenges ahead because of the enormous responsibilities and public expectation. We need to upgrade our technical skills regularly in order to meet our schools’ requirements,” she said

    High point of the event was presentations of cash and prizes to best pupils of member schools in unified examination.

  • Enugu power firm donates books, computers to schools

    Enugu power firm donates books, computers to schools

    The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), in partnership with Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), a non-governmental organisation, has donated books and computers worth millions of dollars to 15 tertiary institutions and 30 secondary schools across the Southeast states.

    The power distribution firm made the donation at Oraifite, Anambra State.

    The benefiting schools were made up of 3 tertiary institutions and 6 secondary schools from each of the states, and were nominated by their respective state governments.

    In his welcome address, the Coordinator, SEOF, Hon. Tony Obi, commended the effort of EEDC in partnering the Foundation to drive its objective towards the development of the education sector, which the Foundation has been involved in across the country over the years.

    He said that the gesture by EEDC is worthwhile to the society and for posterity.

    Obi stressed that the books and other educational materials that were donated must be used for the purpose it was meant for.

    He went on to charge the benefiting schools to ensure that their libraries are functional, as their monitoring team would be paying unscheduled visit to the schools to monitor and ascertain how well the books are being used.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, EEDC, Mr. Robert Dickerman while delivering his address said that the gesture is in line with EEDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy of contributing towards the development of its host community.

    “We know the importance of education, we have an obligation and responsibility to our communities, our business is not just to provide electricity, our job is to help and support the communities which we are a part of”, he explained.

    He went on to say that, “education is a part of the core of the development of any society; we are very honoured to be part of this donation and we committed to take active role in the education development of the 5 states in which we are community member”.

    Dickerman said that besides lighting up homes, companies and industries, we can also light up minds; “this, the company is doing through partnering Sir Emeka Offor Foundation. “

    “We believe that the things we are trying to do and the thoughts we have towards supporting social programmes under our CSR initiatives will be best served by partnering with such a foundation. They have international partners like Book For Africa (BFA) and many others; and we are comfortable partnering with them”.

    The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Okonkwo applauded EEDC and SEOF for the gesture which is a shining example of a CSR act, and welcomed by the state government.

    He said, “Government alone cannot accomplish all that is needed in the education sector, and it is usually a great relief when corporate establishments like EEDC come out to boil up the effort of the state government”.

    The governor stressed that the use of books cannot be over stressed, and that the donation of the books will go a long way in educating the students, as the more they read, the more they get education.

    He said that the books will form the stock in the different libraries of the different beneficiary institutions; and will encourage them to maintain functional libraries.

    Obiano also called on teachers and principals to endeavour to get the students develop the habit of reading as a lot of education which they need in life is locked up in these books.

    He went on to say that, “this is indeed a partnership for sustainable development between the private sector, our government and the education institutions”.

    He pledged the state government’s support, and encouraged EEDCnot to relent, because it is towards the development of the people, children and the country at large.

    Both students and teachers of the benefiting schools expressed their appreciation to EEDC and SEOF for this wonderful initiative and promised to make proper use of the books.

    EEDC committed that this is not going to be a one-time event, as this effort is part of the organisation’s ongoing responsibility, and hope to continue partnering Sir Emeka Offor Foundation towards the development of the South East.

  • Lagos establishes three primary schools

    The Lagos State Government has approved the establishment of three new public primary schools in the state.

    A memo from the School Support Services Department dated June 13, 2016, listed the schools as: Local Government Primary School, Oke-Ishagun/Ikola, Alimosho Local Government Education Authority (LGEA); Community Primary School, Abule-Eko, Ikorodu LGEA; and Tsangaya Primary School, Orofun, Ibeju-Lekki, LGEA.

    With the new addition, Lagos now has 1,010 public primary schools, which the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB), Dr Ganiyu Sopeyin, demonstrated government’s commitment to expanding access to free and qualitative basic education.

    Sopeyin warned public school teachers against collecting levies from pupils or their parents or violating any other rules or regulations to avoid facing disciplinary action.

    Also 10 teachers employed by the Lagos State Government have obtained Masters in various programmes from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.

    The programme, which started online in 2011, was sponsored by the Commonwealth of Nations.

    Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mr Adesina Odeyemi, presented the teachers with their certificates at the ministry’s conference room last week.

    Mrs. Olufunsho Igun, Chief Executive Officer, Corona Schools Trust Council, which facilitated the initiative, noted that three of the teachers passed with merit grades, six had credit, while one, who is physically challenged, is yet to obtain his certificate because of the special requirements of his course module.

    In his remarks, Odeyemi praised CSTC for its support while urging teachers to impact their students and colleagues with their acquired knowledge.

    Fifteen teachers undergoing the programme are expected to form the last batch from Nigeria as the Commonwealth is now supporting teachers from Kenya.

    Responding on behalf of the teachers, Mrs Iribiri Oladunni thanked the CSTC and government for the opportunity to participate in the programme.

    She also praised the Commonwealth of Nations for sponsoring what she described as very impactful course. She promised the teachers would do their best to give back to the system that has uplifted them.

  • Catholic church to establish agro-based vocational schools in Calabar

    The Catholic Archdiocese of Calabar, Cross River State, has resolved that vocational schools that are agro-based be established in the archdiocese.

    This was resolved Maiden Archdiocesan Education Summit which held in Calabar, the state capital.

    Archbishop of Calabar, Most Rev Dr Joseph Ekuwem, said educational policy should clearly articulate social, political religions and cultural ideologies that will stimulate the Nigerian child during the learning process and prepares the child adequately to step into the society to function these capacities.

    Ekuwem said there was need for the Catholic Education Board, the highest policy making body in education matters in the Calabar Archdiocese, to take active interest in educational matters in the state and country.

    He said programmes should take cognizance of the environmental endowments and natural resources such that children from that community shall appreciate and participate in.

    The Archbishop also stressed the need for the board to form a lobby group to interact with lawmakers to push their positions on education matters.

    He also called for parents to provide quality home environment towards functional learning, prepare children for formal education and show concern for their children’s progress in school.

    He said parents owe children and the entire society the obligation of disciplining children to give them the right values.

    A communiqué at the end of the summit read in part, “Supervision has to be frequent in Catholic schools for effective teaching and learning performance. School management should evaluate the inspection processes with their staff. Schools should establish internal supervision units to prepare for staff external inspection.

    “The Catholic Schools Board Archdiocese of Calabar should adequately train the teachers in order to broaden their knowledge on the curriculum development and the content. Teachers should endeavor to assess and prepare themselves effectively before presenting their lesson in the class. The Catholic Schools Board should ensure that playgrounds with aesthetics are provided in all the Catholic Schools.

    It is the right of the child to be trained, educated and taught religion for sound moral upbringing. A child that is properly taught and evaluated by the teacher does not really need to be involved in examination malpractice.

    “The school should provide quality teachers and properly remunerate them. The school should cultivate serene environment for better teaching and learning. Parents should provide quality home environment in learning process for their children. Parents should be committed in the discipline of their children for their overall welfare. They should inculcate good values in their children.

    Parents should create a home environment suitable for learning through designing an area to do home work. They should provide ready materials. Also there should be genuine interest and active engagement from parents.

    “Government should pay living wages to enable parents live up to their family obligations. Children should develop the passion to learn and be committed. Home where parents do not speak refined English Language should be encouraged to speak the local dialect and norms to their children before going to learn English in school.

    “Our teachers must be oriented with the right attitude to supervision. The Catholic Church must as a matter of urgency create an inspectorate unit to achieve the desired change and assure improved quality of teaching and learning in all Catholic Schools. To identify suitable teachers in the system and avail them the necessary trainings for inspectorate duties.

    “Capacity building be modified to include scholarship to produce highly qualified professionals ad provision of adequate modern equipment and instructional materials in the schools. Funds need to be made available to remunerate inspectors as an incentive. Follow up inspection should be done to find out the effectiveness of their earlier exercise. Capacity building by way of training and retraining of teachers will enhance functional literacy in Catholic education.

    “The Catholic Schools should endeavor to focus on the training of teachers, especially Tourism teachers. Government or the national policy makers also should endeavor to involve qualified private sectors in preparing sound curriculum that will produce sound functional literacy in teaching and learning process.

    “Expulsion in primary level should be an extreme unction last resort. Teachers should be proud of their profession, thus disciplining themselves so that their children will be disciplined.

    “Since most students don’t line reading books, the Catholic Schools Board should encourage open book test to enable them be acquainted with their textbooks.”

    Odey said the State Priority Actions set out the short-term and long-term strategies for the state to more effectively prevent and respond to violence against children.

    She said the Priority Actions not only define the role of each stakeholder in ending violence against children, but also acknowledge that no one entity can end VAC alone.

    “I take this opportunity to call upon State and Local Government level actors, civil society, religious and traditional leaders, faith based organizations, community based organizations, the private sector, the media, families and local communities to join the Cross River State ‘End Violence Against Children Campaign’ to ensure all of our children are able to grow up free from violence. I am filled with hope that together we can eradicate violence against our children in Cross River State,” the Commissioner appealed.

  • Army officer fights drug abuse in schools

    An officer of the United States Army, Captain Sunday Adebomi, has organised an essay competition to help secondary school pupils in Ekiti State fight drug abuse.
    Adebomi, who hails from Ise-Ekiti, headquarters of Ise/Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was concerned that many youths are hooked on drugs.
    He bankrolled the initiative in conjunction with Youth Saving Lifestyle Creation Initiative (YSLCI), a non-governmental organisation, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to create awareness on the evils of drug abuse.
    Forty-one pupils were short listed after undergoing series of tests in their schools to participate in the final competition.
    All 41 wrote an essay titled: “Drug Abuse, Cultism and Youth Violence in Secondary Schools in Nigeria” in the presence of the audience at the Sheikh Ibiyemi Hall of Olaoluwa Muslim Grammar School, Ado -Ekiti.
    The essays were graded and results were announced immediately, producing three female winners who would represent Ekiti in the southwest zonal competition. Deborah Ekunloluwa of Comprehensive High School, Ado-Ekiti, came first with 80.5 percent; Kolawole Kehinde of Ijaloke High School, Emure-Ekiti came second with 77.5 percent and Fabunmi from Okemesi High School, Okemesi-Ekiti came third with 77 percent.
    Adebomi, while presenting laptop prizes to the trio, congratulated them for their outstanding performance.
    He promised to pay the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fee of the overall winner. The top 10 students also got certificates and notebooks.
    Ekiti State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sulaiman Jadi, hailed Adebomi for the gesture which he said would go a long way in discouraging drug abuse among pupils.
    The programme was chaired by the Onikun of Ikun-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of the state, Oba David Olatunde.