By Our Correspondent
Public and private schools in many areas of Lagos experienced a very low turnout of students as schools resumed the 2023/2024 academic session on Monday, TheNewsZenith reports.
Our correspondent visited schools in Mushin, Yaba, Lagos Mainland and Apapa among others to observe the schools’ resumption.
The correspondent noticed a few parents dropping off their children for resumption in school.
There are also very few students in different uniforms on the streets, going to school.
In some primary schools, few pupils, who turned out were seen cleaning desks and tables under supervision of the Headteacher.
Mr Akintoye Hassan, Nigerian Union of Teachers, Lagos Chapter, acknowledged there was low turnout of students on the first day.
Hassan said teachers were physically on the ground in their various schools “but there was a poor turnout of students.
Hassan attributed the poor turnout of students to two factors.
“Across South West region, it is only Lagos State that has resumed. Even states that vacated on the same day are yet to resume till Sept.18.
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“With this early resumption, Lagos State has allotted 16 weeks for first-term activities to schools. We believe this is too long, especially with the economic challenges.
“At the end of the day, students and parents in line with the current economic situation, might be affected.
“We are currently discussing with the leaders in the education sector in the state to shorten the 16-week academic activities for first term,” he said.
Yomi Otubela, National President of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, also commented on the school’s resumption.
He urged all private schools to concentrate mainly on valuable projects and programmes that would project their schools positively.
Otubela, also the proprietor of a school, advised that as schools navigate through the challenging business environment, “let us ensure that we embrace cost-cutting strategies.
“It will help us to keep our businesses afloat.
As schools in Lagos resume today, it is imperative to remind us that the safety and well-being of our students and staff members are sacrosanct. We should prioritise safety.
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