The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools(NAPPS) has urged the government at all levels to create an environment filled with love, security, and happiness for children.
The National President of NAPPS, Mr Yomi Otubela said this in a statement to celebrate 2021 Children’s Day on Thursday in Lagos.
The theme of this year’s celebration is: “Recover and Revitalise Education for the COVID -19 Generation”.
Otubela said that we must all strive to work together towards making a better place for all children to live, learn and achieve their potential.
“I must admit, in the last few years, Nigerian children have had a fair share of the insecurity challenges that have continued to ravage the social fabric of the country.
“This has manifested in form of kidnappings, killings,raping and so on in schools and at home.
“However, I do not doubt that the ongoing concerted efforts of the governments through our security apparatus in the country will eventually yield a positive outcome in eradicating the violence and kidnappings.
“In addition to this, schools and homes must remain vigilant and ensure all safety procedures are in place at all times,” he said.
The National President added that aside from insecurity, Covid-19 pandemic had also taken its toll on education.
“Recall that at the height of the pandemic which made a majority of countries announce the temporary closure of schools.
“UNICEF reported that more than 91 percent of students worldwide, that is, around 1.6 billion children and young people were out of schools.
“It should be noted these numbers are unprecedented because never before have so many children out of school at the same time which disrupt learning, especially the most vulnerable,” Otubela said.
He appreciated governments with the collaboration of private school owners and public school managers in ensuring the continued safety in schools.
“Also complementing it with unhindered learning at home through online and offline platforms wherever they are.
“This calls for policymakers, educational administrators to fashion out ways to minimise the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic to ensure that learning activities are achieved seamlessly and without interruption,” Otubela said.
He said that there were several ways the school systems could engage learners to revitalise education which includes; engagement of technology to aid learning
“Others include; improved educational contents that give room for creativity on the part of learners to thrive, prepare learners ahead to adapt to the new normal.
“Creation of a learning environment that allows exploration and multiple “right” choices for learners, offering school advisories and peer mentoring,” Otubela said.
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