From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State government has warned against unauthorised collections, molestation of teachers by parents and the use of school premises without approval, even as it described them as vices to the ‘MORE Agenda’ of the present administration.
Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu stated this yesterday during a meeting between the Ministry of Primary Education, Chief Inspectors of Education, CIEs, Local Education Secretaries, ES, and beadteachers in Ukwuani, Isoko-North, Ndokwa-East and Ndokwa-West Local Government Areas held at Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School, Kwale.
According to the commissioner, the actualisation of the ‘MORE Agenda’ is a collective effort from the state and all stakeholders, adding that headteachers are key drivers of the actualisation of a better educational system.
He added that all teachers should support the policies of the state government and the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Ashibogwu warned that collection of unauthorised fees, molestation of teachers by parents and the usage of school premises without paying the appropriate fees into the state government’s account would hinder the promises of the governor to do more for Deltans.
As a way of ensuring that unregistered/unauthorised schools go into extinction or do the needful, Dr Ashibogwu warned against enrollment of external pupils to sit for the forthcoming primary school cognitive examination.
Also, as precautionary measures to avoid incidents of collapsed buildings, the commissioner charged head teachers to report dilapidated structures to the appropriate authorities for possible rehabilitation or demolition.
Ashibogwu also advised them to work in synergy with community heads and local vigilante groups to ensure that government properties under their care are safe.
He added that head teachers should monitor staff under them to ensure that they work hard and treat the pupils as their own biological children.
On the shortage of teachers, the commissioner assured that once the need arises and there is availability of funds, more persons would be engaged and teaching aids would be made available.
Speaking on the immunisation of pupils, Dr Ashibogwu encouraged head teachers to give maximum support to health officials, especially when they have approval from the appropriate authority, as a way of collaboration among agencies of government.
Earlier, the head teachers appreciated the state government for the approval and subsequent payment of the new minimum wage, pledging to do their best to replicate the kind gesture.
In her vote of thanks, the CIE of Ndokwa-West, Mrs Ruth Oboh appreciated the state government, the commissioner and his entourage.
