The Director, Maximus Academy, Arepo, Ogun State, Oluranti Okeowo, has bemoaned the spate of insecurity in the country and its impact on basic education.
She stressed that it had affected extracurricular activities in secondary schools.
Okeowo disclosed this in an interview with The PUNCH during the 2024 Graduation and Prize Giving Day celebration of the school held in Arepo, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
According to Okeowo, students can no longer participate in excursion programmes that will aid their knowledge base and contribute to their academic prowess due to the increasing cases of insecurity.
She added that there was a need for the government to review some of its policies amid the harsh economy that is affecting businesses in the country.
Okeowo said, “There are many challenges facing private schools and education in Nigeria. One of such is the issue of insecurity which has affected extracurricular activities. For instance, school children can no longer go on excursions which will help them to develop beyond the classroom. We cannot take children on excursions because of the fear of the unknown.
“The issue of policy is another issue affecting education. The government needs to review the Land Use Act and taxes paid by private schools because our services are more of working to support the government.”
The principal urged the government to provide subsidy measures for private schools to sustain their contributions to education development in the country.
Reeling on the achievements of the graduating students, Okeowo noted that the school recorded excellent performance in external examinations and local and state competitions.
While also congratulating the graduating students, Okeowo advised the students to embrace the good values the school had inculcated in them.
She said, “We believe in your potential to make a significant impact on the world. As you embark on new adventures, always remember the values you have learned here and never stop reaching for the stars.
“You have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and the ability to overcome challenges. As you move forward into the next chapter of your academic journey, we do not doubt that you will continue to shine brightly and make a positive difference in the world.”