Ambode Tasks School Principals On Education Standard

Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi  Ambode has advised schools principals under the umbrella of  All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools  (ANCOPSS)  Lagos State Chapter not to compromise  standard in  secondary education  despite the ongoing economic recession in the country.

The Governor gave the advice today in the address he delivered at the 30^th Annual State Congress of the body held at the Teachers’ Pavilion at the Central Business District, Ikeja Lagos.

He noted that the present economic challenge facing the country was not enough reason to compromise in quality service delivery in the education sector; rather he urged them to redouble their efforts and continue to complement government efforts at achieving higher educational standards and outcomes in our secondary schools across the country.

The governor  who  noted  that ANCOPSS annual conference provides a consistent opportunity for experienced educators and schools managers  to come together and exchange ideas  and ultimately  generate wisdom – laden recommendations to government on the way and means to continually improve the educational sector.

As a demonstration of his  administration’s genuine commitment to effective teaching / learning in schools, Ambode who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule  stated that his administration had released substantial amount of money for school building , rehabilitation and provision of infrastructure to ensure quality education delivery in all schools across the state.  He added that his administration has succeeded in tackling furniture and other related problems in public schools, promising that by the First quarter of next year , all public schools in the state would have enough furniture and other learning materials that will enhance quality teaching .

While describing the Theme of the conference: The Management of schools in a dwindling economy: Strategies for maintaining standard” as  relevant  and consistent with the present situation, called  on principals and schools administrators in the state not to allow the present state of the nations’ economy affect their productivity in delivering quality services that  will impact positively on the lives of the  younger generation.

He said   ‘’education remains the most powerful weapon with which we can use to change the world , Your professional callings requires  that you play the role of change agents that will ensure that our children are effectively  educated and their minds molded to become well rounded individuals who will be useful to themselves and the society at large’’  he charged them

The governor while pledging  his administration’s commitment to implementing programmes and policies that will bridge infrastructural gap and provide instructional tools  and improve general schools environment,urged  ANCOPSS members to renew their commitment to duty , while charging them to provide  effective leadership in their schools , maintain discipline and strictly uphold  the tenets of their profession in the overall interest of the public.

Earlier in her welcome address, ANCOPSS President, Lagos State Chapter, Mrs Omotunde  Lawson stated that ANCOPSS among other things aims at providing opportunity for principals of  post primary schools in Nigeria to  exchange views and make recommendations  on matter affecting education in the country, present to government and the public informed and independent opinions on how to move education forward, assisting  in raising the standard of f secondary  school  education through dedication to duty and  contributions to efforts that could   promote efficiency.

She noted that there was the need for ANCOPSS members to meet from time to time so as to review various deployments in the secondary education and fashion out ways of contributing to its growth in the country, urging her  members not to betray  the confidence  reposed in them by the public by remaining focused, honest, disciplined and committed to the objective of achieving quality standard in education in the country

In his address, the key note Speaker at the event , Professor Peter Okebukola  gave principals 9 tips that could help them to achieve  quality  standard in  secondary education . These according to him include: ensuring discipline in schools,  transparency in all  financial matters , application of technology in teaching/ learning process,  good maintenance culture for available schools infrastructures, reward for productivity and excellence,  intensive monitoring of staff and pupils,  adherence to quality assurance  specifications among others.

The event was well attended by top government officials, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, NUT , principals of schools  and other stakeholders.