The president of the National association of Proprietors of
private school, Lagos chapter, Mr Amusa M.T Olawale, in celebrating 2020
Children’s day has urged the government to pay more attention to the education
sector in the country.
Looking at the present crisis that has struck the world,
Covid-19, it is worthy of being noted that education has a huge role to play in
making researches, ensuring that some of
the measures set by several agencies to
curb the spread of this virus, but unfortunately, according to him, the same
education sectors has been totally neglected.
‘’ Hygiene, an aspect of human life which was very sacrosanct
then, has been totally ignored. Even the era of digital technology seems to
have no solution to the novel pandemic. The education sector itself is totally
handicapped in its quest to find solution to the challenges which in the first
place should have been the prerogative of this sector’’
He also maintained that some of the benefits that make education
attractive to people have been withdraw , rendering the profession irrelevant
in some areas especially for private school owners.
‘’ It is on this note that the Education sector has a big role
to play. Sad to say that the school whose role is to lead this crusade has
woefully failed as the Noble Teaching Profession has become most unattractive
for teachers in Private Schools. The goodies inherent in the sector are no
longer being enjoyed by Private School owners. They treat the sector as if
Proprietors, Parents and Teachers of Private Schools are not Tax payers. They
are only interested in collecting Revenue from us, neglecting children from
private schools who are also leaders of tomorrow as if they have another
country for them.’’
As the Lagos state president of the NAPPS, He stated that the
body has been neglected, despite the fact that several appeals have been made
to the government to create a balance between government owned institutions and
private owned institutions.
‘’ The NAPPS (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROPRIETORS OF
PRIVATE SCHOOLS) being a partner in progress in this sector, has virtually been
neglected.
As a body, we have severally and collectively appealed to
Government to do an over-all review of the administration of Schools, so that
Proprietors and Teachers alike will share in the dividends of Democracy which
as at now is only being enjoyed by Government schools.
Among others, we had
in our previous memo to Government solicited for assistance in the following
areas:
Proactiveness in the management of COVID-19 pandemic palliatives aimed at
cushioning the effect of the lock-down on the citizens, our teachers inclusive.
This will no doubt enhance total benefit to the teachers and parents.
Since Private Schools
and Staff receive salary from school fees, apparently a lull in this sector at
this time is imminent as Parents withheld the payment of their wards
outstanding school fees.
Request for PAYE tax holidays since staff and schools are on compulsory
COVID-19 holiday.
Suspension on all
Levies and dues that are imposed by Local Governments and other Agencies of
Government.
Technical and Financial Support to Private Schools with the implementation of
e-Learning to sustain the learning of our children during the lock-down and
beyond.
Access to single
digit and long term loan facilities from both Government established financial
Institutions and Industries.
Subsidise the cost of
preventive items and machines that are needed in schools; Smart Disinfection
Tunnel, Infrared Thermometer, Soap Dispenser etc.’’
However, he commended
the proactiveness of government both at the federal and state in the management
of Covid-19 pandemic, while appealing that palliative packages should also be
extended to school owners and teachers in the private sectors.‘’
‘’ We must commend the proactiveness of
Government both at Federal and State in the Management of COVID-19 Pandemic.
The sincere intervention designed to contain the spread of the diseases is markedly
felt by all and sundry.
The Corona Virus is threatening the means of livelihood of school owners and
teachers. Palliatives and other measures should be extended to them as well and
not just to their colleagues in the Public sector. It would be recalled that
funds are generated through us via Taxes, Levies and other revenues. It is also
placed on record that about 60% of teachers in the state are employed by
Private schools.’’