The Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Mr Kolawole Joshua has called for the concerted efforts of stakeholders in education to ensure the safety of school children as they resume academic activities after the christmas and new year holidays
Mr Joshua who is the proprietor of Canaanland Secondary School, made the call at the weekend in an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Igarra, the local government headquarters.
He said that following the directive of the State goverment that both public and private schools in the state should adopt a harmonised school calendar for the resumption of schools on the 9th of January 2023, it was imperative that all those who have been assigned the care of students and pupils to take deliberate steps to ensure their safety in the new academic session.
He noted that although schools have cleaned up their environments, fixed classrooms and placed teachers on standby for the smooth take-off of the session, it was also time to inculcate in the returning students security tips and consciousness for their safety and well being.
He said that it was imperative to educate students who attend schools from home to walk in groups to and from schools.
He advised parents who are able to afford any forms of transportation such as taxi cabs or motorcycle rides for their wards to ensure that only familiar persons are allowed to provide transportation for their wards.
Mr Joshua called on school principals and teachers not to allow students and pupils out of the school premises while classes are still in session.
He urged parents not to fret even in the face of the reality society is today faced with.
He said that it was important that parents are rest assured that schools will do everything to ensure the safety of their children.
The school proprietor gave assurrance that COVID-19 precautions, will continue to be observed, saying precaution is better than cure. To this end, the sitting arrangement in the classrooms will not be compacted.
The NAPPS chairman gave a word of advice to to all private school proprietors to take their businesses more seriously; noting that school is not just a financial venture but a venture that has to do with humanity and moulding the destiny of the younger generation.
He noted that in the light of the foregoing, school owners should also strive to build a people both morally, academically, and even spiritually by praying for the students and advising them.
—By Mercy Andrew
