As schools resume the 2023/2024 academic session in Lagos, both public and private schools within Alimosho, Agege and Ikeja areas experienced very low turnout of students
During a visit to some schools, it was observed that there were few students for resumption and few parents came to drop off their children.
It was observed that students and pupils were not seen as it used to be on resumption days on the streets, in uniform going to school.
Some of the schools visited in Alimosho Local Government Area are Alimosho Junior and Senior High School, Rauf Aregbesola Primary School, African Nursery and Primary School, Ikeja High School, Pentavillle Montessori School, Sophem High School, Krisbetel College and Adegoke High School.
Principals and teachers in the public schools directed the media to the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Alausa, for any question, while proprietors of some private schools declined comments.
Mr Akintoye Hassan, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos Chapter, also said that there was low turnout in two schools he went to within Ikeja environs.
Hassan said that teachers were physically on ground in their various schools but the turnout of the students was poor.
“The low turnout of students can be attributed to two factors, the first is that across the 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.
“With this early resumption, Lagos State has allotted 16 weeks for first term activities to schools, which we believe 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 for a resolution to shorten the 16weeks academic activities for first term.
“The reality is that schools have resumed today, but within Lagos it was not noticeable that schools have resumed,” he said.
Hassan advised the teachers to remain focused , make themselves available at in their schools and continue to be nation builders.
Mr Yomi Otubela, National President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), also urged all private schools to concentrate mainly on viable and valuable projects and programmes that would project their schools positively.
Otubela also the proprietor of a school, advised schools should navigate through the challenging business environment.
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