A Call to Action: Addressing the Decaying State of Public Schools in Niger State – Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
Global Human Capital & Energy Management
To His Excellency, The Farmer Governor of Niger State, H.E. Umaru Muhammed Bago and other stakeholders in the education sector:
I am compelled to bring to your attention the alarming state of public schools in Niger State. The recent closure of two schools in Minna Metropolis due to persistent fights and insecurity is a symptom of a broader issue. The root cause of this problem lies in the decaying infrastructure, lack of discipline, and inadequate management of our public schools.
The state of public schools in Niger State is alarming, with the recent closure of two schools in Minna Metropolis due to persistent fights and insecurity being just the tip of the iceberg. The root causes of this problem are multifaceted, including decaying infrastructure, lack of discipline, and inadequate management.
The situation at the former Government Secondary School Minna, now Father O’Connell Science College and Government Secondary
School Minna respectively is particularly concerning. The exit of Rev. Fr. Jeremiah O’connel has left a vacuum in leadership at FOSC, leading to a breakdown in discipline and order. A few miscreants are disrupting the peace, and the principals and key staff seem unable or unwilling to investigate and take necessary actions.
Challenges Facing Public Schools in Niger State
Inadequate Infrastructure: Many public schools in Niger State lack basic facilities, including classrooms, toilets, and libraries.
Discipline and Security: The absence of effective discipline and security measures has created an environment conducive to violence and misbehaviour.
Poor Management: Inadequate leadership and management have contributed to the decline of public schools in Niger State.
Exposure to Drugs and Cultism: Pupils are being exposed to drugs and cultism at a tender age, highlighting the need for guidance and counselling departments in schools.
Mental Health: The mental health of students is also a concern, necessitating the establishment of mental health management departments.
Solutions and Recommendations
Investigate and Address the Root Causes: Recall students and send investigative officers from the security department to conduct a thorough investigation in conjunction with students and key staff.
Improve Infrastructure: Invest in rebuilding and equipping public schools with modern facilities.
Enhance Discipline and Security: Implement effective discipline and security measures, including the deployment of security personnel and the establishment of functional school management committees.
Capacity Building for Principals and Teachers: Provide training and capacity-building programs for principals and teachers to enhance their leadership and management skills. Guidance and Counselling Departments: Establish guidance and counselling departments in schools to address issues related to drugs, cultism, and mental health.
A Scathing Indictment of Leadership Failure
This is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of incompetent leadership and the penchant for destruction that seems to plague our society. The tale of Father O’Connell Science College’s (FOSC) downfall is a soberingp illustration of how quickly excellence can give way to notoriety.
A Legacy of Excellence Destroyed
For over fifty years, FOSC thrived under the leadership of a white principal, earning a reputation as one of the most notable schools in the state. However, in less than a decade, the school’s fortunes have reversed, and it has been closed down due to mismanagement.
The Blame Game
While it is easy to point fingers at the managers of the school, the problem runs deeper. It is a systemic issue that reflects the broader challenges facing our education sector. The lack of accountability, inadequate training, and poor leadership have all contributed to this debacle.
A Call to Action
We must acknowledge that the destruction of FOSC is not an isolated incident. It is a symptom of a larger disease that affects many of our institutions. To prevent further devastation, we must:
Hold Leaders Accountable: Demand transparency and accountability from those in charge of our institutions.
Foster a Culture of Excellence: Encourage a culture that values hard work, integrity, and excellence.
Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge the role of parental failure, societal collapse, leadership inadequacies, and educational shortcomings in exacerbating these problems. The absence of a cohesive system and effective leadership has contributed significantly to the decline of public schools in Niger State.
In the past, when Rev. Fr. Jeremiah O’connel was alive, the system was more cohesive, and these problems were less prevalent. His leadership and vision played a crucial role in maintaining discipline and order in the schools.
The Niger State Government has taken steps to address some of these challenges, including the abolition of unnecessary fees and the introduction of free education. However, more needs to be done to address the systemic issues facing public schools in the state.
I urge Your Excellency and other stakeholders to take immediate action to address the decaying state of public schools in Niger State. The future of our children and the prosperity of our state depend on it.
Conclusion
The demise of FOSC and Government Day Secondary School minna serves as a stark reminder of the importance of effective leadership and management. We must learn from this experience and work towards creating a culture of excellence that values accountability, transparency, and hard work. Only then can we hope to rebuild our institutions and restore their reputation for excellence.
