By Otobong Nsekpong
Government close supervision has been identified as one key factor that will restore the confidence in public schools.
Dr Inemesit Itina made the call on the sidelines at the commissioning of Government Model School, Ikot Isong in Etinan local government area.
According to him, modern infrastructure alone will not guarantee good result if there is no proper monitoring and close supervision of the teaching staff by a higher authority.
“Why privately owned schools enjoy patronage is because there is discipline and close supervision by the proprietor of the school. A teacher will not stay away from school because the proprietor is always there.
“It is not so about public schools where teachers can stay away from classes knowing that there is no eye that is watching closely. The governor cannot be in all the schools in the state to know what is going on”
He pointed out that having one special assistant on education matters for a Senatorial District or Federal Constituency may not be enough as monitoring and supervision should not be a one off thing rather regular and unannounced.
” I am advocating for a greater responsibilities for the Personal Assistants to the governor in each ward. They can be given this responsibility of going round schools in their respective wards and send their reports to appropriate authority for action” he opined.
Dr. Itina thanked the governor for bringing such academic environment and facilities to a rural school, saying, the development will have positive impact on the lives and academic performance of children in rural communities.
He also called on host community to step up security and ensure none of the facilities put in place are vandalized or stolen as this will be a big disservice to the government and the pupils.
