Minister Seeks Private Sector Support For Public Schools

Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Opiah has advocated increased private sector for public schools,through funding, to enhance quality of teaching and education in the country.

Opiah made the call on Friday while inaugurating the new administrative building of the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Owerri.

According to him, funding of schools or education cannot be left for Federal Government alone.

He said the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), private investors and stakeholders should identify progress development, welfare and wellbeing of the public schools around them.

Opiah, who noted that the nation’s economy was no longer as buoyant as before, said there was need for alternatives to funding the education sector.

“If we continue to wait for government to fund everything pertaining schools, we may be lacking in many areas,” he noted.

Opiah disclosed that the Federal Government was working to make teaching profession more attractive.

He said the retirement age of teachers had been extended from 60 to 65 years and from 30 to 40 years in service.

“The salary of teachers has also been increased.

“From next academic session, the Federal Government will commence bursary award for anyone studying education in tertiary institutions,” he added.

Opiah said students ,who excel in education courses, will receive automatic employment as teachers.

“This will reduce unemployment and improve quality teaching with value,” he stressed.

He commended the Principal of the College for her high level of administrative competence,which he said had ensured peace, and harmony among management, staff, students and parents.

While commending the students for being disciplined, he advised them to study hard and obey their teachers and parents.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Principal of the College, Francisca Obiagwu ,said that the school which was founded in 1973, s had attained numerous academic achievements

“In Federal Government Girls’ College, we do not only concentrate on academics, but we vigorously pursue discipline which is an integral aspect of character moulding,” Obiagwu said.

The principal appealed for the provision of more classrooms to accommodate the students as well as the raising of the perimeter fence to enhance security.

She also appealed for the installation of solar street lights and solar panels in the administrative block, dining halls, hostels and classrooms, among other appeals.

Obiagwu commended the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu for his ingenuity and interventionist strides to ensure that education was given its pride of place in the country.