Chinedum Elekwachi
Anambra State government has expressed its commitment to repositioning and standardizing education sector in the state.
Commissioner for Lands, Prof. Offornze Amucheazi (SAN), gave the assurance at the inauguration of State Task Team of the School Based Management Committee (SBMC) in Awka.
He described the Committee as essential collaborator with schools to ensure functionality, teacher empowerment and grassroots accessibility to free education.
He said, “The SBMC will collaborate with the state government to ensure our schools are properly run.
“Government can’t do everything alone; hence the need for stakeholders’ support. Mr Governor wants to produce well-educated children.
“That’s the reason for the smart school, mass recruitment of teachers and empowering them with laptops and free education.
“The SBMC as a volunteering service will collaborate with government to achieve this.
Members will draw attention of concerned authorities to issues in the schools in addition to monitoring responsibilities.”
Amucheazi who chaired the occasion urged the committee members to approach the responsibility with the seriousness it deserves.
Chairman of the committee, Prof. Stephen Ufoaroh said challenges confronting education in the state and Southeast called for collective action.
He enumerated pressing issues the team will address as: enforcement of government policies such as phone use prohibition among students.
Others are curbing loitering and child labour during school hours and restoring discipline among teachers and students.
“Others are curbing examination malpractice, ensuring proper resource management by school administrators, improving teacher welfare, and mobilizing communities to support public and mission schools,” he added.
Ufoaroh however said the committee critically needs office furnishing, operational vehicle and funding for orientation and training of members at local levels.
Executive Chairman of ASUBEB, Dr. Vera Nwadinobi described the SBMC task team as not profit-driven.
According to her, it is an avenue to contribute to child welfare and school management.
Protection of children’s rights
She urged the team to protect children’s rights and discharge their duties efficiently.
Chairman, Post Primary State Service Commission (PPSSC), Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu lamented high rate of indiscipline among students fueled by social media, and tasked the team to restore order in schools.
She praised government for equipping smart school teachers with laptops and tablets as well as introducing free education and scholarship schemes.
National Chairman of SBMC, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar hailed Anambra for leading in the South East, describing SBMC work as voluntary service to humanity.
Umar, represented by Dr. Ukachukwu Erisim stressed the need for synergy between schools and government.
Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake described the programme as laudable.
She said it would protect schools and empower students to compete favourably.
Nnake explained how 22 smart schools across all local government areas function as innovative hubs connecting communities to school management.
Earlier, Director of Social Mobilisation, Mrs. Amaka Ikedimma disclosed that SBMC was instituted by National Education Council in 2006 to ensure inclusiveness and community participation in children’s education.
SMBC’s responsibilities
She outlined responsibilities such as advocacy with government, canvassing for capacity development, public awareness creation, and fundraising for school development.
Speaking on the theme “Efficient Resource Management: Bedrock for Improved Education System”, Guest speaker, Dr. Nkechi Ofojebe called for honesty, discipline, effective supervision, emotional intelligence, and maintenance culture in resource management.
She recommended increased budget allocation to education, proper utilization of resources, enforcement of discipline against cultism and hooliganism, and the role of families in instilling strong moral foundations in children.
Royal Father of the Day, Dr. Emeka Ilounu of Ifitedunu, lamented rising cases of cultism, blaming parents for neglecting their wards.
He praised government for reactivating SBMC and urged members to take the assignment seriously by initiating laudable projects.
The newly inaugurated task team comprises six members representing the state are Engr. Prof. Stephen Ufoaroh (State Chairman/Chairman South East SBMC) and Dr. Sir Vitalis Nwakoby (Vice Chairman, representing secondary schools).
Others are Lady Felicia Ezeukwu (Secretary), Mrs. Amaka Ikedimma (Director, Social Mobilisation/Treasurer), Mrs. Uzoma Chidimma (Financial Secretary, representing secondary schools) and Sir Chike Ononye (PRO).
