School Proprietress Wants More Govt Support for Private Schools

By Jude Atupulazi

The proprietress of Future light Academy, Oba, Mrs Onyekwelu Umeh, has called on the Anambra State Government to consider giving financial support to private schools to help them stay afloat.

Mrs Umeh made this call during the graduation of 70 pupils from the school, July 17, ranging from PG2, KG3, Grade 6, to Year 3.

Umeh said, ‘Government should help private schools to make sure they measure up to standard, give out loans to school owners with low interest to enable them improve their schools, minimise the rate the school board collects money from schools and organize trainings for both public and private school teachers. These will, no doubt make things better.’

The graduation ceremony which was chaired by Mr Michael Azubuike, also had in attendance the PTA chairman, Mr Ifeanyi Ezeh; Lolo Uche Okafor; Mr Chiduluo Nwajieme (patron of Onwa House); among others.

Mrs Umeh appreciated the parents of the pupils for their efforts in ensuring the best for their kids and urged them not to relent, even as she assured of the school’s readiness to give the best training to the pupils.

She also advised parents to ask questions before reacting to what their kids told them at home about their teachers; even as she warned them to respect the rules and regulations of the school for the smooth running of the school.

The proprietress equally warned against the wearing of incorrect school uniform by the pupils, fighting, lateness to school without reasonable excuse, as well as stealing.

The ceremony witnessed such activities as spelling competition, cultural dances, debate, intonation, Bible quotes, mental health and hip hop, as well as dance by teachers of the school, among others, with certificates and gifts issued at the end.

She gave the problems of the school to include lack of teachers owing to paucity of funds, accommodation, and absence of government support.

‘When you’re in a rented apartment it is hard to meet up and improve your school and you also face challenges from parents who want the best for their kids but can’t pay enough money, even when they have the means of doing so.

‘Government should stop collecting money from schools; even when the schools are not getting profit. They go around schools collecting money and intimidating school owners.

‘Government doesn’t value school owners and they don’t assess schools to know their impact on the children. All they need is money,’ Mrs Umeh lamented.

‘As those who nurture the children to become future leaders, and create employment, government should support us,’ the proprietress said.