School principals task govts on electricity, internet facilitiesAppeal

ABUJA (Sundiata Scholar) – The All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), has urged governments at all levels and relevant stakeholders, to provide steady electricity and internet facilities in all secondary schools in the country.

“The measure will facilitate digital literacy among secondary school students across the country,” the National President, Alh. Mohammed Musa said.

Musa made the call at the close of a 5-day congress, with the theme: “Developing Entrepreneurship Education for Secondary Schools in Nigeria”, in Abuja on Sunday.

He also called on the governments and other relevant agencies to organise capacity building programmes for school managers, teachers and students, in line with the digital literacy road map of the Federal Government.

He specifically called on telecommunication network providers to support the provisions of internet connectivity and communication networks in secondary schools, as part of their corporate social responsibility.

This, according to him, will facilitate the actualisation of digital literacy among secondary school students towards building a robust digital economy in the country.

Recognising entrepreneurship as a key driver of job creation and economic growth, Musa said that the facilities, if provided, would equally strengthen the implementation of entrepreneurship curriculum, designed to promote self-reliance among secondary school students.

He pointed out the prevailing limited number white collar jobs and the mismatch between skills acquired in formal education and the skill sets required by industries, which contribute to high unemployment rates among youths.

Musa noted the crucial role of entrepreneurship education in developing knowledge, skills, attitudes and positive behaviours, necessary for recognising opportunities and generating innovative ideas to solve societal needs.

He, however, groaned over the absence of infrastructure and facilities needed to deliver comprehensive and functional entrepreneurship education in secondary school, thereby rendering the curriculum meaningless.

According to him, the inability of some secondary schools to equip their students with entrepreneurial skills, is one of the reasons students do not develop interests in setting up businesses.

He noted that equipping schools with steady electricity, internet connectivity and other facilities, would not not only promote digital literacy, but would also strengthen the delivery of entrepreneurship skills in secondary schools.

“This will help to equip students with 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.

Musa described principals as key drivers of the implementation of entrepreneurship education, and as such, should be adequately trained on global best practices.

This, he said, would foster the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in secondary schools and promote the development of functional skills among students.

The national president urged school principals to involve community members such as the Parents Teachers Associations and School Based Management Committees, in the promotion of entrepreneurial skills to build 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. (NAN)