NETWORK OF AFRICAN CHRISTIAN JOURNALISTS COMMENDS ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT ON MOVES TO RETURN SCHOOLS TO OWNERS Says state governments are overburdened, need to shed weight.

The Network of African Christian Journalists NACJOURN has commended the Ondo State government on the new policy to return all private schools, taken over by the government sometime in 1970s, back to their owners.

Obasanjo’s Error

The Network said ‘the takeover of schools in the 1970s is most unfortunate because it has landed both the schools and governments in more significant troubles than they were meant to solve.

In a world of dwindling finance and poor economy, it was a wrong move for the Federal Government under General Olusegun Obasanjo to have contemplated and enforced the takeover because 40 years after, the purpose for the takeover has not been met.

* Governor Rottimi Akeredolu of Ondo state.

The schools have dwindled almost beyond repairs, the exercise has divided the nation badly, causing religious suspicion and altercations leaving sorrows, tears and blood in its trails in many states of Nigeria.

In a press statement signed by the President of the Network, Dr Adebola Adewara and the Secretary, Mr. Dayo Emmanuel, the Network said that secondary schools in Nigeria today have become caricatures of themselves.

“Many of these schools are now producing hooligans who beat up their teachers and pass examinations through dirty means.

This is because there is no adequate supervision from their owners, the Governments.

‘All state governments are overburdened already. They cannot pay teachers’ salaries nor equip their schools with modern facilities.

Most secondary schools have no sporting activities like Inter-house sports.

Schools are currently at the mercy of Parent/Teachers’ Associations and Old Students’ Associations.

Secondary school education is in suspended animation in Nigeria.

State governments can do with fewer burdens. Let us encourage them to shed weight so they can live.’

MAY YOU NOT WEEP OVER YOUR CHILDREN AS THEY RETURN TO SCHOOL – By Dr. Bola Adewara

‘Across the country, Alumni Associations, Parents Teachers Associations and host communities contribute to paying teachers’ salaries.

They often upgrade infrastructure, so what is left as the Government’s responsibility?

Many of these PTAs and alumni are gradually getting tired.

Should state governments continue to deceive themselves by still forcing these schools on themselves when they cannot even pay salaries and pensions?

Dr. Bola Adewara, President NACJOURN

NACJOURN says, ‘it is within this matrix that we commend the Ondo state government and others who are pragmatic to return schools taken over to their owners.

‘They would be free to use their meagre resources on other projects that would benefit the states.’

CAUTION

The Network cautions religious bodies or organisations that criticise this development.

“Individuals that feel returning schools to owners would not serve their interests are advised to see beyond their narrow perspectives. They are free to establish their schools.

‘We remind them that the schools taken over in the 1970s, now to be returned are not only Christian mission schools. Islamic schools would also be returned.

‘We, therefore, ask all and sundry to embrace this development in Ondo State and encourage all states governments to do the same.