Reduce Overpopulation And Building Shortage, Olaniyi Urges Govt

By Babatunde Kaka

Retired Tutor-General Olaniyi Yinka Gbemi has called on the government to tackle the menace of overpopulation in schools.

Permanent Secretary of Education District II at the second edition get-together organized by Association of Retired Principals of Secondary Schools of Nigeria (ARPSSON), added he concluded upon his observation in the education system of the state.

While speaking with Eko Hot Blog, he urged the government to structure more buildings for the purpose of better spacing and a convenient learning environment.

He further stated that he recognises the yearnings of teachers and students who experience difficulties in learning effectively in a less conducive environment characterised by overcrowded classrooms.

He said, “Today is a very good day for retired Principals, It is a day I praised the organizers for putting together this event to show how grateful they are to God for being alive.

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“In terms of my observations about the education sector, the government should put more buildings in our schools, the schools are overpopulated. It is not good for schools to be overpopulated. There is no school you will visit where you won’t find accommodation problems.

“The government should try as much as possible to reduce this problem, I know it can not be eradicated but the government should try as much as possible to add more buildings, build more schools and make sure that the school environment is made conducive for learning.”

Speaking further, Olaniyi asked the government should priotise the welfare of teachers by providing tools to work with.

He stressed the dire need for teachers to be elevated rather than being treated in manners and ways unacceptable.

“The teachers should be encouraged by the government to do their job, in terms of providing the necessary tools they will be needing to carry out their responsibilities.
The teaching profession should also be elevated to a higher level.

“The way teachers are being treated now is not okay. I believe the welfare of teachers should be paramount in the minds of government, not just by paying them salaries, I believe allowances should be added to their salaries like riverine allowances, science allowance and so on.

“I want the teachers to be motivated. I want them to show the world what they are capable of, I want teachers to be up and doing, well equipped academically to take the students that they are teaching to a higher level,” he added.

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