Tony Okafor, Awka
Ahead of resumption of schools in Anambra State in September, parents have asked the state government to provide security in schools across the state amidst growing insecurity .
They made the call during the Friend Of Friends Schools’ graduation/21st passing out ceremony of the class of 2022, held at the school’s premises in Akamili-Umudim, Nnewi Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.
Some of the parents who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, during the ceremony claimed that pupils, especially those in the rural areas, lacked security in schools and other social amenities that would give them sense of belonging like their counterparts in urban areas.
“We think the major thing these rural schools need now is security personnel, especially, in the local government areas targeted by gunmen. The governor should deployed security personnel to the schools in rural areas; and the governor should also look at community sport development where young talents are easily discovered.
“The state of insecurity in the state, especially, in and around Nnewi, Ihiala, Ekwusigo local government areas, requires security presence in public/private schools to boost the students confidence while in classroom,” they stated.
They listed the problems in rural schools to include lack of electricity, personnel, toilet facilities, game facilities, poor road network, amongst others, adding, “The situation is adversely affecting teaching and learning. We call on the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to give priority attention to public/private schools in rural communities.
” We also implore Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, representing Anambra South Senatorial District and the member representing Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Honourable Chris Azogbogu, to assist as well.
” The same way , we called on public- spirited individuals and NGOs to assist the state government to provide infrastructure in schools located in rural communities.Friend Of Friends Schools have being in operation in Akamili-Umudim for 29-years with out access road, constant electricity supply and security.
The proprietor of the school, Caleb Festus, in his remarks, urged the graduating students to aspire to occupy enviable positions in life, assuring that he would continue to do his best to ensure that the standard of education in the school was sustained.
