The National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria has called both the academic unions and government to see to the progress of the education sector in the coming year.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Deputy National President, NAPTAN, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, while giving his assessment of the sector in the outgoing year and expectations for 2024.
Ogunbanjo said the education sector in the outgoing year had done well, but there was room for improvement.
He said that could be achieved if the unions and government could work together.
“The entire idea and focus of both the academic unions and government should be to see our education sector progress to the next level, against the unnecessary rancour.
“Agitation for a salary increase, wages, allowances are good, but at the same time, strike is not the way, because it is at the detriment of the students, however, you look at it.
“The University ASUU strike, IPPIS and all these casual distractions should not repeat themselves next year! stakeholders must play their part and play it well,” he added.
The NAPTAN Deputy National President identified insecurity as a major challenge affecting the sector.
He said it was an area that the military and security agents must prioritise in 2024.
“Another thing threatening education is the issue of security; it’s a serious problem and a challenge that requires adequate attention in the coming year.
“The military and security agents must, as a matter of fact, approach this issue, with stern measures to stop kidnapping in our schools to restore the confidence of both students and parents,” Ogunbanjo said.
“Too many stringent processes will defeat the purpose or idea behind the student loan.
“I, hereby, appeal to the Federal Government to make it accessible and seamless so that people can actually benefit,” he said.
Ogunbanjo also called on ASUU to look into service delivery and tackle the issue of missing results.
“ASUU should seek to improve on their services to the universities, students and parents.
“Missing results are usually common in federal institutions, which cannot happen in the private.
“ASUU must look into these complaints and ensure that members of staff are dedicated to the job and deliver appropriately,
“I have a series of complaints from parents and students on this issue.”
