Secondary school principals in Ondo State, Nigeria, have urged the state government to deploy more security personnel to schools to safeguard students, teachers, and facilities. The All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, Ondo State branch, identified inadequate security as a major challenge facing public schools. According to Aminu Olugbenga, President of ANCOPSS in the state, schools require more security personnel to ensure adequate protection.
In addition to security concerns, Olugbenga highlighted other challenges facing public schools, including shortages of laboratory attendants, library assistants, secretaries, and ICT teachers. He emphasized the need for more ICT personnel due to the growing importance of digital technology in modern education and school administration. These shortages hinder the effective delivery of education in Ondo State.
Despite these challenges, Olugbenga commended the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for its interventions in the education sector. The government has recruited teachers, rehabilitated schools, and paid teachers' salaries. These efforts have provided relief to public schools after years of manpower shortages caused by retirement, death, and natural attrition.
The recent recruitment of teachers has helped strengthen the workforce, according to Olugbenga. However, he urged the government to sustain the process until existing manpower gaps are adequately addressed. Over 15 years of inadequate replacement of departing teachers had created significant challenges for principals and schools in maintaining effective academic activities.
Olugbenga also commended the government and the State Universal Basic Education Board for ongoing renovation and rehabilitation projects in public schools. These interventions are crucial in improving the learning environment. He emphasized the importance of partnerships among the government, parents, old students, philanthropists, communities, and development partners in developing the education sector.
ANCOPSS will continue to support policies and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education in Ondo State. The organization encourages the government to consolidate its interventions. According to Olugbenga, education remains a strong foundation for the development of any sane and progressive society, and investing in teachers, students, infrastructure, and educational support services is an investment in the future of Ondo State.
The ANCOPSS president emphasized that government alone cannot provide all the resources required to develop the education sector. He called for stronger partnerships to support education, highlighting its importance in the development of Ondo State. The organization will continue to advocate for improved education and support policies that enhance the quality of education in the state.
Key points
- Principals in Ondo State call for increased security measures in schools.
- The state government has made efforts to address teacher shortages and rehabilitate schools.
- Partnerships are needed to develop the education sector in Ondo State.
