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….warns heads of schools against charging unauthorised fees
As part of the government’s efforts to improve service delivery in the teaching profession, the Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Education Monitoring, Akparawa Udeme Udofia has harped on the need for teachers and school administrators to ensure that they have the critical tools for learning and administration in their offices.
The SA, who said this when he and his team embarked on a monitoring exercise to some schools in Ibesikpo Asutan and Etinan local government areas, opined that critical tools such as notes of lessons, diaries of activities, time books, timetables, and students’ registers are the mandatory instrument of learning.
The SA himself, an education administrator, expressed optimism that synergy amongst the school heads, teachers, and the students themselves, at the right time, will in no small measure add value to the building of a vibrant and better society for all.
Udofia advocated that children be given proper and required educational foundation from the cradle quoting George Washington Carver who posited that “there is no shortcut to accomplishment, as life achievement requires preparation”.
The monitoring team applauded the promptness of some teachers and heads of schools while condemning the untoward attitudes of some teachers who are fun of playing pranks with the future of the upcoming generation and urged them to be alive to the responsibilities, be passionate about their work by coming early to school and teaching the students. This, he said will enhance their performances and ensure they work in tandem with the directives of the ministry and boards overseeing their functions.
The team specifically frowned at the irrational attitude of some teachers who were not found at their duty post within the working hours of 8am – 12pm or 2pm, depending on their section, and had asked the heads to query them to the appropriate boards or take the blame for abatement of such abnormalities in the teaching profession aimed at frustrating government efforts towards upgrading the educational status of the state.
Udofia also warned Heads of Government-owned Primary and Secondary Schools to desist from charging excessive fees as school resumed for academic activities.
The governor’s aide, who reiterated the state’s free education policy, enjoined the school heads to avoid charging their students fees unnecessarily but should work for the success of the students. He noted that the action could render the government’s aim of relief to parents and guidance through the free education policy ineffective.
While addressing students in the exiting classes, the SA advised them to buckle up their butts, remain focused on their studies, and put finishing touches to areas they are lacking behind in preparation for their examination irrespective of the daunting task and challenges ahead of them so that their six years stay in the school would bring a positive result.
He also urged the teachers to put in their best to produce students who would be the best in learning and character, urging the teachers to see themselves as role models by their dress code, classroom management, keeping to the tenent of the profession, and general appearance.
Akparawa Udofia who is a season education administrator commended the education policy of Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration, saying that it had helped in raising the standard of education in the state.
He assured that government will not relent in its efforts in providing free and qualitative education to all citizens and residents of the state.
Speaking on compliance, Akparawa Udofia informed schools to abide by the rules and regulations handed down by the state government on its mode of operation, however, warned that any school caught doing otherwise will be penalised.
The SA was accompanied by another Special Assistant to the Governor on Education Monitoring Hon. Sarah Esitikot and the team visited Community Secondary School, Asuna, Etinan, Community Secondary Grammar School, Ikot Akpabio, Northern Iman, Etinan, Etinan Comprehensive Community School, Ndikpo Grammar School, Ikot Obio Nko, Ibesikpo Asutan and Brotherhood Grammar school, Ikot Ide Akpakpan, Ibesikpo Asutan.
