The Ekiti state government has reemphasised that the ban on the use of public school premises for parties and other social events is still in force in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, spoke with newsmen over the weekend and described the use of public schools for social functions as an attack on the education system.
He stressed that the school environment should always be serene, accommodating, reflective, and supportive of knowledge impartation with minimal disruption of its traditional responsibilities.
Noting that teaching and learning require a high level of mental concentration, reflection, and balance, Olatunbosun emphasised the importance of maintaining a peaceful atmosphere that supports deep reasoning in school environments.
He reiterated the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji‘s administration to educational development, adding that the government has continued to implement a policy of free and compulsory education up to the senior secondary school level as part of the administration’s Human Capital Development pillar.
The Commissioner stated, “The state government is massively building the capacity of teachers in addition to the payment of counterpart funds to enable SUBEB to renovate dilapidated infrastructure, providing perimeter fencing as well as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.
Similar facilities are being provided at the secondary school level through the World Bank-assisted Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.”
He identified the use of school halls, playing fields, classrooms, and other school facilities for social events as one of the factors impeding teaching and learning outcomes in public schools.
The Commissioner bemoaned the misuse of the school grounds, with various infractions and desecrations, noting that “arrangements for the gatherings sometimes begin during school hours.”
According to him, “In most cases, the preparations for the events’ receptions, which include the erection of tents and canopies, may begin on Thursdays, even when the schools are in session.
When they occur during the weekends and holidays, buildings and landscapes in these schools are defaced and infrastructure damaged.
“The damage can only be imagined, as the schools are often thrown into a frenzy of avoidable, disconcerting guests, causing distraction for the students.
“Even after the event, the school playfields and the entire environment are littered with empty sachets of water and drinks, broken bottles, and empty plastic containers of water, drinks, decayed food items, and other irritating wastes, which are left for the pupils to pick up and clean up on Mondays.
All these are additions to the health hazards arising from the enormous waste generated during the events.
”The furniture in the classrooms and windows were often damaged by these intruders, and there have been cases of theft and burglary, with the school buildings used as a hideout for drug peddling and consumption.
The unwholesome practises not only compounded the incidences of social vices in society but regrettably became a bad influence on the children.”
He urged all stakeholders to support the government’s efforts at developing the state and improving the lives of the people, particularly in the education sector.
Stressing that the prohibition of social events in public schools would henceforth be strictly enforced.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
How Sunday Igboho got his freedom — Prof Akintoye
The leader of Ilana Omo Oodua, a self determination movement for Yoruba nation, Professor Banji Akintoye, on Saturday, declared that…
FULL LIST: 43 items that are no longer contraband for importation
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has removed restrictions on the importation of all 43 items that…
How N16 almost made me to drop out of school —Prof Ogundana
Celina Folakemi Ogundana, an academic and professor of Sociology, is the…
I don’t have billionaire boyfriend, I lied —Mercy Eke
Former Big Brother Naija winner, Mercy Eke, has set the record straight by admitting that she…
Kenyan authorities arrest fake lawyer who won 26 cases in court
Kenyan authorities have arrested a fake lawyer, Brian Mwenda, who has won 26 cases while parading…
2023 AFCON: Super Eagles will be difficult opponent for Cote d’Ivoire — Drogba
Cote d’Ivoire legend Didier Drogba has predicted a difficult duel against the Super Eagles of…
