Mayor of Calabar Pledges To Revamp Public Schools, Lunches Free Books Scheme
By Ekanem Asuquo
As parts of deliberate efforts toward improving the standard primary education in Calabar Municipality, the Chairman of Calabar Municipal Council, Apostle James Anam, has flagged off the first phase of an on the spot needs assessment for the 24 Primary Schools within his jurisdiction
The initiative, aimed at accessing and tackling pressing needs and challenges in schools, took off at three primary schools with key Local Government officials in attendance.
Addressing the staff and pupils of PCN Primary School Akim, Apostle Anam reiterated the commitment of the present council administration to repositioning the education sector to restore public confidence in public primary school system.
According to him" It's unacceptable that despite the calibre of quality trained teachers in our schools, most parents still prefer to enroll their wards in private schools with poorly trained personnel and inadequate space for extra curricular activities"
"The scenario is attributable to poor attitude to work exhibited by most of our teachers as well as deplorable conditions of most public schools due to neglect and poor maintenance culture.
"As proud products of public schools, we are working assiduously in tandem with the state government to address the glaring needs with a view of restoring the eroding confidence in our public"
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, a pupil of PCN Primary School Akim,Honesty Ephraim expressed appreciation to the Council Chairman for the initiative noting that the gesture will motivate indigent students to gear up for better academic performance.
Highpoint of the assessment tour which took the team to Primary School Ediba, and Government Special Education Ibom Layout was the launching of free exercise books by Anam with a pledge to bankroll the payment of common entrance fees for Primary Six pupil across the council area.
Also speaking, the supervisor for education, Eta Imona stated that plans are underway to float a task force with the mandate of checking loitering and late among pupils and staff as well as improving enrollment statistics.
The Head teachers at the various schools appreciated the Council Chairman for his thoughtfulness and kind gesture.
They also commended him and the Council for prioritizing education and called for continuous investments in the Sector.
