It is better to build more schools than hotels — PDP National Secretary

Senator Sam Anyanwu, National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, has asked Nigerians to build more schools than hotels in order to ensure that every child in the country has access to a quality education.

He spoke over the weekend in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, at the official opening of DaniJoy International Secondary School, a private school founded by Hon Chukwudi Apugo, a former member of the Abia State Assembly.

Anyanwu praised the school management’s vision to improve Nigeria’s educational sector, adding that the school would encourage healthy competition among students given the quality of teachers, classrooms, laboratory equipment, and conducive learning environment they have established.

He urged other Nigerians to invest in the educational sector to ensure that illiteracy is completely rooted out of the country.

He said, “When I was invited to unveil this school, I wasn’t expecting what I saw today. Having gone around the facility, I’m very much impressed by what I saw.

“I want to say that it’s better to build more schools than to build more hotels. If you go to Imo State today, you will see hotels littering every street, but we need schools. More schools will encourage competition that will improve the capacity of the children. We know that they are the leaders of tomorrow, and we don’t want to have half-baked children who would not be able to compete with their folks who studied outside the country.

“The facilities I saw today show that the chairman of the school is very much ready to contribute to the educational system in the country. I encourage parents in Akwa Ibom and beyond, even children born abroad can come here and school to have a mixed culture. Their curriculum is partnered after Cambridge, which means they can offer what is obtainable even outside the country.”

The chairman of the school, Hon. Apugo, said the school is prepared to make a lasting impact on her prospective students given its penchant for academic excellence centred on value and character building.

He enthused, “My message is that the residents of Uyo and beyond should come and register their children with us and they will see value for their money. We will organize free summer lessons for our prospective students so they to experience the quality of education we are bringing on board.

“I believe we will have a serious breakthrough here. When we started in Umuahia, we didn’t know that it would not take us a long time to become the leading school in the city; now we are in Uyo, and by the grace of God, we will also lead here. Our school is a household name and we have a consultant who is doing a great job here.

“I am happy because for over one year, I have been on the road trying to put together what you saw today, and by His grace, I’m alive to see it come to pass. I’m equally happy that I saw a lot of dignitaries come to this place because of me and DaniJoy Schools.”

In an address, the principal, Mrs Queen-Esther Anyanwu, revealed that the school’s vision is to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where every student can realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society in honesty.

She pointed out that the school is a community dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity, personal growth, sound morals and social responsibility.

She said, “To actualize our vision we have ensured that the very best conditions of learning are made available for learners to explore, enjoy and be groomed for global competitiveness.

“Our adherence to the Cambridge educational framework ensures that our curriculum is rigorous, comprehensive, and internationally recognized.

“Our well-equipped science laboratories, e-library, sewing/fashion entre, food and nutrition lab, music room, tech innovation hub, boarding facilities, air-conditioned classrooms, 24-hour power supply, security, clinic, zoo, indoor and outdoor games are intended to give our learners the best educational experience obtainable in developed nations of the world.

“As we unveil this school, Let us remember that every great individual today, started as a learner yesterday. The measure of our success will be the achievement of our students and the positive impact they will have on society.

“Together, let us strive to cultivate an environment where every child can realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the world.”