From Catherine Philip Jelani
In a bid to strengthen operations among key stakeholders of the Board, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB), Mr. Birsan Penuel, convened a strategic meeting recently with Coordinating Principals and Zonal Directors at the premises the Board.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Penuel emphasized the importance of the meeting, stating that it is customary for the Board to hold such an interface towards the end of each academic term. The purpose, he said, is to review developments in various zones and secondary schools across the state.
“We need your updates to help us proffer lasting solutions,” Penuel noted. “There are issues you may not be aware of, but meetings like this help unfold them so you become acquainted and equipped to address them. Don’t hesitate to raise concerns where necessary, especially where corrections are needed.”
Key issues discussed included the reintroduction of sporting activities in senior secondary schools, staff discipline and the need to follow due process, as well as challenges related to NECO and WAEC exams including the upcoming November/December sessions.
Mr. Penuel particularly cautioned Coordinating Principals to ensure timely distribution of materials such as calculators and other exam aids to candidates, stressing that any principal found denying students their rightful exam support would be held accountable.
On handling external candidates, he urged school heads to offer support within the boundaries of established guidelines. “Yes, they are our children and deserve a second chance to succeed, but we must follow due process,” he advised.
The Acting ES also encouraged principals to maintain cordial working relationships with their vice principals, noting that collaboration is key to a school’s overall progress.
The President of the All Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, Mr. Dauda Abubakar, called on principals to ensure that supervisors for the forthcoming NECO exams are selected from within their existing staff to enhance accountability.
In his contribution, the Board’s Director of Sports, Mr. Julius J. Christopher, urged schools to revive sports activities in senior schools and reminded them to remit the N100 sports levy to the Board via the designated account.
The interactive session was attended by 21 Coordinating Principals one from each LGA and three out of five Zonal Directors, along with members of the Board’s management. Several pertinent issues were raised and addressed, signaling a commitment to continuous improvement in the state’s post-primary education sector.
PIONEER NEWS 