The Abia Retired Teachers Forum has called on Governor Alex Otti to enhance the effectiveness of government primary and secondary schools in the state.
They commended the governor for establishing a separate ministry for basic education, emphasising the urgent need for attention to this sector.
During a meeting with the governor in Umuahia, coordinator, Mrs Eunice Egbuna, proposed several initiatives, including the introduction of a “One Child, One Skill” policy, practical agriculture programs, and the restoration of teachers’ quarters in schools.
She stressed that education must be applicable, particularly in a time of rising unemployment, and highlighted the importance of equipping students with practical skills before they complete their 12 years of primary and secondary education.
Egbuna outlined how the “One Child, One Skill” policy would require updates to the curricula in Abia schools to incorporate relevant skills. She stated, “The curriculum must be flexible and reviewed every nine years to stay current.
Parents should choose skills for their children, which will be registered at schools. This approach will allow students to engage in hands-on learning and develop expertise through continuous practice, leading to competitions and recognition for top performers.”
Suggested pilot skills include fashion design, beauty and makeup artistry, hairdressing, interior decoration, solar installation, photography, web design, and more.
These skills, Egbuna asserted, could be integrated into public schools across Abia to revitalise the educational experience.
Egbuna also advocated for practical agriculture to instill a sense of food production in students, encouraging schools to become centres for agricultural learning.
She outlined plans for modern farming methods, utilising borehole irrigation to ensure consistent production and marketing of crops.
The ART Forum stressed the importance of restoring teachers’ quarters, noting that having teachers and their families on-site would enhance security and foster a better learning environment.
They also called for the rehabilitation of existing schools, increased security measures, and efforts to combat examination malpractice.
They urged the governor to focus on improving teacher quality by hiring more qualified educators, particularly in mathematics and sciences and proposed the introduction of centrally controlled promotion exams.
Additionally, they suggested the creation of reading clubs and science/math centres across the state.
Concerns about the proliferation of poorly managed private schools were also raised, with the Forum calling for an assessment of these institutions to ensure quality education.
Finally, the ART Forum reminded the governor of the ongoing struggles of retired teachers, who face delayed pension payments and systemic corruption within the Abia State Pension Board. They urged swift action to address these issues and improve the welfare of retired educators.