BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO
EXTENSION of resumption date of public and private primary and secondary schools in the country which would be used as centres for registration of voters by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been met with mixed reactions from parents and stakeholders.

Chief Kenneth Gbagi, Minister of State for Education, who announced the shifting of date, said INEC had written officially to the Federal Ministry of Education requesting for use of public and private schools as Registration Area Centres (RACs) for the exercise.

Pupils and students in these basic educational institutions were supposed to resume on Monday, January 10, for the second term academic session, but shifted to February 4 and later changed to January 30 by the Presidency. It will start January 15. All students except those in Senior Secondary Schools class 3 preparing for final examination are affected.

He told journalists that, “this is a very serious period and no sacrifice is too much for proper registration of voters,” adding, “efforts would be made to make amends for disruption of school calender.”

Early reaction came from human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, who threatened to take legal action if government did not reverse the decision immediately. He said government ought to make adequate arrangements for registration of voters without disrupting academic activities, because of the pivotal role education plays in national development.

The decision to use schools for voters’ registration was described as ill calculated, insensitivity to education sector and that churches, mosques, etc, should have been used for the exercise.

Alhaji Babs Animashaun, fonder of National Parents/Teachers Association (NAPTAN), when asked for his reaction on phone, pointed to a press release issued, saying, “I can only give my opinion”.

Apparently referring to government decision to use schools for registration of voters, he said: “You can’t stop it”.
Many parents fear it may affect academic performance, and want government to rescind the decision.

Callers to the popular Ray Power Radio Programme – Fact File expressed mixed feelings on the issue.
From Abuja, Kenneth said what government did is not wrong, calling for patience.

He frowned at conducting the registration in mosques and churches which can not be realistic.
Ben was furious: “We can’t take this — our children at home! It is not fair. My children can’t stay at home. They must go to school. Let them find other places to conduct registration.

From Badagry, a parent said people should not be so emotional, be careful and patient with government. Give government right attitude, and if they fail, we can now blame them. Henry in Benin says children should be allowed to resume in their schools.

Folu, in Port Harcourt said the whole issue has been politicised. For many years, government tried to make credible election possible. Why now this objection? “I can’t understand the suggestion that churches and mosques should be used instead of schools. Violence will erupt if religious places are used, churches and mosques could be burnt.”

Uche who said he does not support what government has done, noted that this is not the first time this country is conducting voters registration, public buildings, town halls can be used. Hire other buildings it town halls are not there.

Tochukwu wonders that he does not know what Nigerians want again because this exercise is in the interest of children.
Oscar says he does not support the Federal Government on this matter — our children staying at home is not good.

For Gerald, this exercise is important. It’s good they stay at home, although INEC should have done the registration during holidays. But there is not other option however.

Chima believed our problem is impatient. We’ve been having Kangaroo elections before. Now we’re talking about free and fair election. Let us support Jega. Why are some people preferring churches and mosques? Let this government be supported. We all have been crying out for credible election. No sacrifice is too much.

Andrew Ajayi in Port Harcourt argues that nothing is wrong with using schools. There is insecurity everywhere. Bombs can be planted during registration. One will expect government to revamp the security system and put security personnel on alert. We should be patient, if this is the sacrifice to make.

Mazi Okoroafor in Jos pointed to poor NECO, WAEC results and asked what time available for academic work.. Government should have planned it ahead.

John says schools are only guarantees because no religious tone. Saturdays and Sundays would have been good in order to satisfy all parties — parents, children and government. Contractors are not happy. Children can go to classes from Monday to Friday.
Joseph supports Federal Government decision as the best. If churches are to be used, then no respect for God. What is going on in schools not much.

INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega is optimistic that things will go well, as thousands of DDC machines have been deployed.
He explained that over 70 per cent of schools in the country are public and it won’t be wise to leave out private ones who constitute 30 per cent, hence both public and private schools are to be involved as centres for registration of voters. There is need for equilibrium.

When the schools are closed down during the period, security of students will be assured, no fear of kidnaping, while equipment will be safeguarded.