BY EKEMINI EYOH

Lagosians have been urged to get involved in the academic development of their wards especially those who have children in state public schools.

The Knowledge Management Specialist of the Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN), Mr. Tolase Olatinwo and educationists in the state said this during their tour of public primary schools in Lagos State.

At the Ejigbo School Complex, there was a drama presentation by the Youth Adolescent Reflection and Action Centre (YARAC), a community theatre, titled AGBAJOWO (Working Together). The play was meant to enlighten parents  on their roles in boosting the state’s efforts towards educational and school improvement.

“The community theatre is sponsored by ESSPIN. The idea is to use it as a communication tool to sensitize Lagosians on the need for them to support the government in supporting public schools in the state. The idea is to promote the understanding about SBMC (School Base Management Committee) which is an avenue for community members to support schools. The idea is, you don’t leave everything for government to do,” explained Mr. Olatinwo.

He stated that ESSPIN is a developmental organisation sponsored and supported by the UK Government through the Department for International Development (DFID). ESSPIN, according to him, is in partnership with the Lagos State Government through Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in her bid to promote public school development in the state with ESSPIN’s scope being primary schools.

In a brief chat with Mrs. Elue, the Mobilisation Officer for Oshodi/Isolo area, she noted that ESSPIN has done a lot for the state’s public schools since its arrival on the scene. Speaking about SBMC, she said that since its inception, SBMC has helped to create a connection between the government, schools and the community.

Mr. Adetona Bisi Lawrence, the Education Secretary, Lagos Mainland LGEA also enlightened parents on the relevance of attending school meetings when summoned,revealing that the state government has adopted a policy statement against absenteeism from school meetings.

He said that based on this policy, a parent must at least attend six meetings out of 10 failure of which would attract a punishment, which is the child’s repetition of a class irrespective of the child’s brilliancy.  Parents like Deaconess Owoeye, Mrs. Tijani, and Mr. Nwachukwu expressed pleasure at the government’s attempts to better the state’s public schools and promised to do their best to encourage the act.