OBINOMBA/Nigeria: The Convener of the Chinonye Smile-Care Initiative, Miss Maureen Chinonye Achugbue, has called for renewed commitment from parents, teachers, government and community leaders to restore the core values of education, saying meaningful societal development can only be achieved through a strong and functional educational system.
Achugbue made the call during the Teachers/Parents Conference organised by the foundation at St. George’s College, Obinomba, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State. The conference, themed “Rebuilding the Fabric of Education for Equitable Living,” attracted education stakeholders, policymakers, parents and students who deliberated on practical solutions to challenges confronting the sector.
In her welcome address, the convener explained that the conference was conceived to engage young people in self-discovery, character building and value reorientation, while creating a platform for critical conversations on the future of education.
She stressed that rebuilding society begins with rebuilding its educational foundation, noting that stakeholders must work together to equip children with the knowledge, skills and values needed to succeed in an increasingly dynamic world.
The conference featured contributions from key government officials and education stakeholders, all of whom echoed the need for collaborative action to reposition the sector.
The Member representing Ndokwa West State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Charles Emetulu, urged parents to discourage examination malpractice and the patronage of so-called “special centres,” insisting that children should be encouraged to study hard and earn academic success through merit.
He said students in public schools have the potential to excel academically when provided with quality teaching and a conducive learning environment, adding that efforts should focus on improving educational standards rather than seeking shortcuts to examination success.
Responding to questions on education funding, Emetulu explained that while governments make budgetary provisions for the sector, implementation often depends on available resources and prevailing priorities. He called for sustained collaboration among government, parents, teachers and communities to strengthen the education system.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Council, Hon. C.S. Possible Ajede, represented by Mr. Augustine Ekeh, described education as the bedrock of every progressive society and advocated a multi-stakeholder approach to educational development.
Ajede highlighted several initiatives of his administration, including improved welfare for teaching and non-teaching staff, scholarships for Ukwuani students in tertiary institutions, provision of learning materials and school uniforms for pupils in public primary schools, sponsorship of Primary Six placement examinations across the council’s 32 public primary schools, and the introduction of ICT and mobile phone repair training programmes to equip youths with employable skills.
He commended Achugbue for her vision in bringing together diverse stakeholders to chart a new course for education in Ukwuani.
Representing the Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogu, Dr. Michael Emeshili described the conference as a significant milestone in the educational development of Ukwuani, dismissing the notion that “education is a scam” as a misconception borne out of ignorance.
According to him, education remains the surest pathway to personal advancement and national development.
Other goodwill messages came from the Ndokwa Elders Forum, which advocated the introduction of graded community service into school curricula to promote civic responsibility, and the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Delta State Branch, which urged parents to instill moral and spiritual values in their children while encouraging students to remain focused on their studies.
The President of the Ndokwa Women’s Association, Ukwuani Branch, Mrs. Inyama Adaeze Doris, also underscored the indispensable role of mothers in the educational development of children and called for stronger support from government, fathers and schools.
The conference concluded with participants expressing renewed determination to work collectively towards rebuilding the educational system in Ukwuani through stronger partnerships, improved teaching standards and sustained investment in quality education.
