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Rivers State Exemplary Educational Standard Earns High Acclaim
The Rivers state government has received commendations for its commitment to maintaining exceptional ethical and educational standards in primary and secondary schools.
The Rivers state government has garnered widespread recognition for its unwavering dedication to upholding exemplary ethical and educational standards in both primary and secondary schools.
This commendation resonated following the recent inauguration of the National Proprietor-Parent-Teacher Association (PPTA) by the esteemed Eggheads group of schools in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
Renowned educator Prof Ezekiel Edem Williams, Director of Eggheads International School, commended the state’s outstanding educational framework and its comprehensive curriculum that effectively equips pupils and students to overcome future academic challenges.
The Significance of the National Proprietor-Parent-Teacher Association
In a discussion with journalists during the momentous event, Prof Ezekiel Edem Williams highlighted the fundamental importance of the National Proprietor-Parent-Teacher Association.
This association aims to foster a harmonious synergy between proprietors, parents, and teachers, ensuring that pupils and students receive comprehensive training.
Recognizing that government schools alone cannot adequately cater to all educational needs, Prof Williams emphasized the crucial role played by private schools in supplementing the educational landscape.
Tracing the origins of the Parent-Teacher Association back to 1897 when it was known as the National Congress for Mothers, Prof Williams underscored the association’s historical commitment to collaborating with public school teachers.
This collaboration was geared towards facilitating students’ educational success and well-being.
However, with the advent of private schools, Prof Williams argued that it is vital to establish a platform for effective partnership between school owners, parents, and teachers.
He emphasized that this union aims to foster a robust training ground and mitigate the risks associated with inadequately prepared pupils and students.
Prof Williams further condemned the deplorable practice of some schools that facilitate and endorse examination malpractice.
At Eggheads International School, a zero-tolerance policy against examination malpractice is upheld, ensuring a commitment to genuine academic achievement.
He lamented the loss of the true essence of education when schools resort to such unethical practices, emphasizing the need for a collective resolve to combat this detrimental trend.
The Proposal For Unbonding Science Subjects
Addressing a suggestion put forth by a parent advocating for the separation of science subjects from JSS1, Prof Williams expressed reservations about the proposal.
He highlighted the exceptional quality of the school curriculum in Rivers state, deeming it one of the best in Nigeria with an impressively high academic standard.
Thus, he argued that separating science subjects at an earlier stage may not be in the best interest of the students. The existing curriculum ensures comprehensive development and equips students for future career paths.
Government Intervention And Essential School Qualities
Regarding the state government’s intervention in secondary and primary schools, particularly with the proliferation of private institutions, Prof Williams stressed the need for effective policy formation that enables schools to flourish.
He further emphasized the significance of ensuring teacher qualifications, fostering conducive learning environments, and prioritizing security.
According to him, schools lacking these essential qualities should not be permitted to operate. He advocated for periodic inspections conducted by the appropriate authorities to ensure adherence to these standards.
Beloveth Edem Williams, the school’s administrator, expressed profound gratitude to the teachers and parents for their invaluable contributions to the school’s success story.
Beloveth Edem Williams, the school’s administrator, expressed profound gratitude to the teachers and parents for their invaluable contributions to the school’s success story. She attributed the collaborative efforts of these stakeholders to the school’s notable achievements, including winning silver medals in prestigious competitions such as the Ultimate African Mathematics Olympiad and the National English Olympiad.
This remarkable feat serves as a testament to the moral and ethical values instilled in the students and their commitment to academic excellence.
The Importance Of Qualified Teachers
Beloveth Edem Williams emphasized the critical role of qualified teachers in maintaining high educational standards and fostering optimal student performance. She cautioned against the employment of unqualified teachers, highlighting the adverse consequences it could have on the overall quality of education.
Recognizing that teachers’ qualifications directly impact the students’ learning experience, she underscored the significance of recruiting and retaining highly skilled educators.
Parents’ Commitment To Ethical Education
Several parents shared their delight with our correspondent, expressing appreciation for the moral and ethical standards instilled in their children.
They pledged to resist any form of temptation associated with examination malpractice, advocating for values such as hard work, commitment, and perseverance to be upheld in the pursuit of academic excellence.
These parents wholeheartedly support the efforts of the educational institutions and remain actively involved in their children’s education.
“The Aid Experience from Parent to Child”
The pinnacle of the event was a thought-provoking seminar presentation titled “The Aid Experience from Parent to Child,” delivered by Anugua Meshale. The seminar delved into the significance of parental guidance and support in nurturing children’s academic growth and overall development. Attendees gained valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance the parent-child relationship and facilitate educational success.
The Rivers state government’s commendable commitment to upholding high ethical and educational standards in primary and secondary schools has earned widespread recognition.
Through the establishment of the National Proprietor-Parent-Teacher Association, the government seeks to foster collaborative partnerships among proprietors, parents, and teachers to provide a comprehensive education for students.
Experts like Prof Ezekiel Edem Williams emphasize the need for partnerships, the elimination of examination malpractice, and the importance of qualified teachers.
With dedicated stakeholders and a focus on moral values, Rivers state continues to pave the way for academic excellence and the holistic development of its students.
Former governor of Sokoto State and current Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has reaffirmed his party’s commitment to reclaiming power in 2027.
Speaking on Monday at the launch of a Ramadan aid distribution programme, Tambuwal assured supporters that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would regain its “stolen mandate” in the next general elections.
The initiative, aimed at assisting fasting Muslims during Ramadan, will benefit 30,000 households across Sokoto State.
Tambuwal noted that this effort was in addition to food assistance programmes being carried out by PDP lawmakers at both state and federal levels.
“As you are aware, many people have lost their lives and are no longer with us. By His grace, we are here to witness another Ramadan and provide support to our people once again,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to party leaders and supporters for their commitment, stressing that the PDP remained united in Sokoto.
“We are one big, united family. We shall continue to work together towards reclaiming what has been taken away from us.
In the last elections, our mandate was forcefully stolen, but we are restrategising and reorganising. By the grace of Allah, we will reclaim it in 2027,” Tambuwal declared.
Sokoto State PDP chairman, Comrade Bello Goronyo, echoed similar sentiments, thanking party members for their loyalty.
He criticised the current government, attributing the economic hardships faced by Nigerians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We urge the people of Sokoto and Nigerians at large to free themselves from the misgovernance of the APC in 2027,” Goronyo stated.
The PDP’s Ramadan assistance programme includes the distribution of thousands of bags of rice and other essential grains to youth and women-led organisations across the state.
Senator Shehu Sani has downplayed ex-governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move won’t impact the ruling party’s fortune in the coming elections billed for 2027.
El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State on Monday left the APC, a party he was a founding member, and pitched his tent with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a move pundits believe will change the political texture of the country.
But Sani, who is also from Kaduna like El-Rufai, believes the former Minister of the FCT holds no political relevance.
“Well, first of all, for those of us from Kaduna State, it [his defection] is a good riddance because he stands as a liability to the party in the state,” the former Kaduna Central senator said on Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, citing the APC’s losses under El-Rufai.
“I can back this with facts. In 2015, APC had two senators. By 2023, all the senatorial zones were taken over by PDP. Out of the 14 House of Representatives seats in Kaduna State, by the time he left [office as governor], almost nine of the seats were won by PDP, two by the Labour Party, and then three by APC. With him as a governor, the APC also lost the presidential election in Kaduna State.”
El-Rufai had cited the party’s departure from progressive ideals as his reason for defection.
“At this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” the former governor said.
The former FCT minister was a founding member of the ruling party. He was instrumental to APC’s victory in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 presidential elections. His relationship with the party, however, soured after he was not screened for a ministerial role.
But Sani, who recently returned to the APC, accused El-Rufai of destabilizing the party and believes his defection offers an opportunity for the APC to rebuild and come out stronger.
“So, you can see that by the time he left, already the party was an unpopular platform in the state. So his exit now is an opportunity,” the APC chieftain said.
“For the governor and party leaders of the state to embrace the people of the state and to reconfigure and reset the party towards the next election.”
Oby Ezekwesili, former minister of education, has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step aside until an investigation into Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims against him is concluded.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, had accused the senate president of sexually harassing her.
The allegation followed a heated argument between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan over seating arrangement.
Subsequently, the senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions for disciplinary review.
The senator was thereafter suspended for six months.
In a statement on Monday, Ezekwesili demanded that Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, should preside over a session tasked with conducting a swift and independent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition.
The former minister said the senate should reverse the suspension of the senator and retract all punitive measures imposed on her.
“The senate president steps aside, and the deputy senate president immediately convenes a session that rescinds the unconstitutional and illegal suspension of senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and reverses all punitive measures imposed on her so she resumes her duties as a duly elected senator representing her Kogi central constituency and gets the fair hearing due her within senate processes,” Ezekwesili wrote on X.
“Resolve and announce that a prompt independent investigation into the resubmitted petition by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is imperative and swiftly request ICPC to designate the Independent Investigation consistent with the ICPC Act which designates sexual harassment as one of the corrupt practices it can investigate and prosecute.”
Ezekwesili urged the senate to restructure its ethics committee in response to the allegation, harping on the need to appoint an independent investigator to thoroughly examine the matter.
“Reconstitute the senate ethics and privileges committee under a new chairperson with the mandate to commence a public hearing on the resubmitted petition on sexual harassment by the senate president Akpabio,” she said.
“The committee receives informed recommendations from the Independent Investigation by ICPC-appointed investigator and appearances/oral and written testimonies and evidences from the two parties to the matter — Senators Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio respectively.”
She advised that the findings of the committee should be referred to the attorney-general of the federation for action.
“The senate in plenary receives the report findings and recommendations of the ethics committee, debates and refers the matter to the attorney general as may be appropriate,” she added.
“The senate and HoR partner with women in Nigeria groups and other relevant stakeholders like NBA and Nigeria police to launch a comprehensive diagnostic review of laws, regulations, policies and procedures that prevent SGBV and protect the rights of women in public and private spaces, identify existing barriers and gaps, develop and implement specific action plan on a fast track timeline.”