Private schools salute Nigerian children’s resilience in Children’s Day message

In a statement to commemorate the 2021 Children’s Day, Yomi Otubela, the National President said children have had a share of insecurity in the country.

Otubela mentioned cases kidnappings, killings, rape in schools, communities and at home.

He expressed hope that efforts of the Federal Government and State Governments through security agencies will yield positive results.

Otubela advised schools and homes to remain vigilant and ensure all safety procedures are in place at all times.

Noting that the COVID-19 has taken its toll on education, he recalled that countries, at the peak of the pandemic, closed schools.

“UNICEF reported that more than 91 percent of students worldwide, that is, around 1.6 billion children and young people were out of schools,” he said.

Otubela noted the numbers are unprecedented and the implications will be enormous because never before have so many children out of school at the same time.

He said it behooves the education managers in the private and public sectors to unite to reverse the impact of COVID-19 on children by ensuring unhindered learning activities.

Otubela further listed ways the school system can engage learners to revitalise education.

“Improved educational contents that give room for creativity on the part of learners to thrive; Engagement of technology to aid learning and prepare learners ahead to adapt to the new normal.

“Inclusion of leadership programmes into the school curriculum to prepare learners to take up challenges early in life; Adoption of improved and expanded co-curricular activities to develop talents right from the start.

“Creation of a learning environment that allows exploration and multiple “right” choices for learners; Offering school advisories and peer mentoring.

“Creating a safe and healthy learning environment; Guiding learners to demonstrate what they have learnt”, the NAPPS chief added.