The All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) has asked governments at all levels and relevant stakeholders to provide stable electricity and internet access in all secondary schools across the country.
“The measure will facilitate digital literacy among secondary school students across the country,” ANCOPSS national president, Mohammed Musa, said.
Mr Musa made the call in Abuja on Sunday.
He also urged governments and other relevant entities to develop capacity-building programmes for school administrators, teachers, and students in accordance with the federal government’s digital literacy roadmap.
He specifically requested that telecommunications network providers promote the provision of internet access and communication networks in secondary schools as part of their corporate social duty.
According to him, this will make it easier for secondary school pupils to develop digital literacy and contribute to the country’s strong digital economy.
Recognising entrepreneurship as a crucial driver of job creation and economic growth, Mr Musa stated that the facilities, if given, would also contribute in the implementation of an entrepreneurship curriculum aimed to foster self-reliance among secondary school pupils.
He cited the scarcity of white-collar jobs and the mismatch between skills obtained via formal education and the skill sets required by industry as factors contributing to high unemployment rates among youths.
Mr Musa emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship education in building knowledge, skills, attitudes, and good behaviours required for identifying opportunities and generating new ideas to address societal issues.
However, he complained about the absence of the infrastructure and equipment needed to give complete and functional entrepreneurship instruction in secondary school, thereby rendering the curriculum meaningless.
According to him, one of the reasons students do not develop an interest in starting their own businesses is because some secondary schools do not provide them with entrepreneurial training.
He stated that providing schools with reliable electricity, internet access, and other amenities would not only encourage digital literacy but also improve the delivery of entrepreneurship skills in secondary schools.
“This will help to equip students with the necessary competencies to thrive as future entrepreneurs and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“This is crucial, in view of the prevailing societal needs for skills’ manpower to drive the nation’s economy for inclusive and sustainable growth and development,” he said.
Mr Musa identified principals as crucial drivers in adopting entrepreneurship education, and as such, they should receive proper training on global best practices.
He stated that this will help to enhance the business environment in secondary schools while also encouraging pupils to gain functional skills.
The national president asked school principals to engage community stakeholders, such as Parents-Teachers Associations and School-Based Management Committees, in encouraging entrepreneurial skills in order to develop future job creators.
“Stakeholders should implement the entrepreneurship education curriculum in response to societal needs by involving industry experts and successful entrepreneurs to provide practical mentorship to young entrepreneurs in schools,” he said.