Public school teachers in Ibadan have advised parents to encourage their wards to resume school early, usually after the holidays.
This follows students’ low turnout as schools resume for the second term of the 2024/2025 academic session.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some teachers, preferring to be anonymous, said it had become a norm for public school students to stay back on the first day of resumption.
The teachers said they were, however, expecting more students to resume by Wednesday.
“Some parents believe they do nothing on the first day of resumption, hence the delay in releasing them for school,” a teacher said.
However, the headmistress of Oluyole Private School, Mrs Olamide Owolabi, urged the resuming students to buckle down and be punctual as studies resume immediately.
She enjoined parents to continue to provide for the educational needs of their wards towards a brighter future.
Owolabi called for tangible government intervention in schools to meet the needs of every Nigerian child.
In his remarks, Dr Kayode Adeyemi, the National Secretary, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, urged the schools to adhere to excellent academic standards.
Adeyemi noted the need for schools to employ engaging teaching methods and create a conducive learning environment.
“The health and safety of members of staff and learners must also be our priority.
“For the students, you must set goals to excel, be organised and find a balance between academics and play.
“You are also to participate and be active in class; seek help whenever it is needed on any aspect of your learning,” he said.
Adeyemi, however, enjoined parents to collaborate with the schools by being friendly with the teachers and school authorities.
According to him, parents need to support policies that will advance the children’s performance.
“In addition, parents must create a loving home environment that supports learning and reduces distractions,” Adeyemi said.
NAN reports that some of the public schools visited are Baptist Secondary School, Oke Ado; Answarudeen Islamic High School; Oluyole Community Grammar School, and IMG Primary School, Oniyanrin.
Meanwhile, some of the private schools visited are Oluyole Private School, Vine Branch Foundation School, and Mercy Land Private School. (NAN)
