LASG TASKS TEACHERS, STUDENTS ON COMMITMENT AS NEW ACADEMIC SESSION BEGINS 

The Lagos State Government has enjoined teachers to show more commitment in the discharge of their duties as the new academic session begins. Mr.  Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, made the call during the school resumption tour on Monday while addressing school teachers and students.

Alli-Balogun hinted that the monitoring of resumption was to ensure that school leadership complied with all pre-resumption guidelines and to motivate the entire school system at the beginning of the new session.

He advised teachers to always be at their duty post early and be punctual in classes, just as he also warned that the Ministry will ensure adequate sanctions are applied to any school personnel found wanting.

The Commissioner reminded the teachers that Lagos State has maintained its policy on adequate staff welfare and motivation exemplified by prompt payment of salary and other welfare packages. He also called on the teachers to leverage technology to remain relevant and improve themselves through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Coding amongst others.

On the general assessment of the state of activities and readiness of the schools and principals, the Commissioner said it was obvious that the entire school system is ready for the 2024/2025 session, noting, however, that some school personnel need to do better on punctuality which will be achieved through further encouragement.

He described his observation in some schools as a work in progress while noting that there were some inadequacies, such as minor repair works, which the school principals can address with monthly subvention allocated to schools.

He bemoaned the non-adherence to pre-resumption guidelines of ensuring the cleanliness of school environs, dusty chairs and cobwebs in some schools and classrooms. “In all of these, we still need to encourage them to do the right thing and ensure the regular attendance of students and teachers and do what they are assigned to do at the right time’’, the Commissioner reiterated.

On the performance of students at the last WASSCE result, the Commissioner noted that there was a slight increase in performance compared to Y2023.

Some of the schools visited were Ransome Kuti Memorial Junior and Senior Grammar School, Mushin; Birch Freeman Junior and Senior High School, Surulere; Oduduwa Junior and Senior Secondary School, Ladipo, Oshodi and Ojota Junior and Senior Secondary respectively.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Abayomi Abolaji also monitor schools’ resumption in the Ikorodu area of the State. He enjoined the staff and students to strive for success in the new academic session.

He further reiterated the need for all stakeholders to embrace the tenets of curiosity, remain focused and make learning happen.

The school visited at Ikorodu include Luwasa Community Junior High School, Ijede, Ikorodu; Abule Eko Community Senior Grammar School, Ijede, Ikorodu; Luwasa Community Senior High School, Ijede.