• PTML donates block of classrooms, furniture to govt
The Lagos State Government has threatened to wield the big stick against any teacher or school that continues to utilise the extra one-hour after the official closing hour for extra lessons, for which they are paid by pupils.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun dropped the hint while inaugurating the block of classrooms and furniture at the Amuwo-Odofin Junior High School Complex, donated to the state by Grimaldi Group and the Ports &Terminal Multiservices Ltd.
He said the extra hour is meant for extra-curricular activities, and students must be encouraged to participate in some of these social activities and clubs such as the Red Cross, Red Crescent, Boys Scout, Boys/Girls Brigade, the STEM Club, Writing and Debate Club and many others, to ensure their rounded development.
He frowned at the practice where the first lesson in many public schools across the state are often “killed” by teachers, and threatened to deal decisively with any teacher caught for dereliction of duties.
“Do your job at the right time between 8am -2pm, leave the extra hour either for reading or extra-curricular activities. We would no longer condone using that time for fee-paying extra lesson in our schools. Education is free in Lagos State and nobody should be charging any fee for anything,” commissioner said.
Saying the projects has changed the face of Mile 2 Community and added value to education in the state, Alli-Balogun said the state would not only take ownership, but will maintain the facilities to ensure that it serves the purpose of learning and add value to community and the state.
Other infrastructure donated to the school by PTML include: an access road with drainage system, a borehole and installation of a water treatment plant at the Amuwo-Odofin Junior and Senior High Schools, a security gate and well-furnished gate house at Amuwo-Odofin Junior and Senior High School Complex, 1,000 dual desks and chairs as well as chairs and desks for staff rooms for all the six schools within the school complex, roof repair of Amuwo-Odofin Junior and Senior High School and Imoye High School and a 50 KVA transformer donated to Senior and Junior High School, Mile 2.
Addressing the school principal, the Commissioner said: “If you have shortage of teachers, kindly let us know, so that we can deploy more teachers to this school for it to serve the purpose for which it was built.”
He applauded the PTML for putting smiles on the face of the students and residents of the community as well as the government. Noting that the government cannot do everything, Alli-Balogun said partnerships like this ensures that companies give back to the state and the host communities, adding that investing in the future generation of Amuwo-Odofin and the state is an investment in the right direction.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Abayomi Abolaji threw his weight behind PTML for delivering on its CSR. He said the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is determined to ensure that no child is left behind.
He disclosed that the government only last week paid the N1 billion for the students sitting for the WAEC Senior School Certificate Examinations, adding that this is in furtherance to its commitment to ensure that no student is left behind because of poverty.
The PTML Managing Director, Ascanio Russo, said PTML the Grimaldi Group’s commitment to Nigeria extends beyond physical infrastructure to the nurturing of young minds.
According to him; “though the company has been sponsoring several activities in the six schools within the school complex, it decided in 2021, to scale up its engagements by engaging in infrastructural development, starting with the construction of a 502-metre long and 7-metre wide interlocked access road within the school complex, which significantly improves accessibility for all.
“This was implemented by the construction of a drainage system which not only protects the facilities but also ensures the environmental sustainability of the area.”
Russo said the projects being handed over the state is a reminder of the power of partnership and how continued collaboration could help transform challenges into stepping stones for the development of future generations.
The Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Chairman Valentine Buraimoh said the school infrastructure donated by PTML is another evidence of what can happen if the private sector partner with the government. He said the government would continue to scout for willing partners who will be interested in helping the government advance the cause of development.
Chairman, Parent Forum of Amuwo-Odofin Junior High School, Alhaji Olabode Keshinro, said the school will make judicious use all that was donated by the PTML.
An SS 2 Student of Amuwo-Odofin Senior High School, Miss Azeezat Shittu, said the school upgrade has helped in improving the environment and has saved them from invasion from hoodlums and miscreants. She, however, called on PTML to further support the school complex by constructing a befitting food court that would ensure that their food vendors have a conducive and hygienic place to sell their wares.(The Nation)
